Scrapyard fined for worker death

A scrapyard company has been fined £30,000 after one of its workers was killed by a five-ton piece of metal.

Roger Ireland, 53, was crushed when a metal sheet fell from a crane at Easco in Lenwade, Norfolk.

Although the crane driver stopped work when he spotted his colleague, he was unable to prevent the fatal incident, Norwich Crown Court was told.

Easco was fined for two breaches of Health and Safety rules after Mr Ireland's death in April 2002.

'Slack' responsibilities

At court Easco admitted it had failed to ensure lifting operations had been properly planned, appropriately supervised or carried out in a safe manner.

The firm also admitted failing to implement measures contained in a risk assessment carried out in June 2000.

The case was transferred to Norwich Crown Court after an earlier hearing in front of the city's magistrates.

The judge heard Mr Ireland, from New Costessey, Norfolk, had worked for the firm since 1988.

Mr Justice Aikens told the firm if it had obeyed safety regulations it would have reduced the chance of a fatal accident.

He added the company directors had been "slack" in their responsibilities.

Easco was also ordered to pay £15,000 costs.

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