Fine over crushing machine death

A Cornish company has pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety regulations following the death of an employee.

Robert Bickley, 41, died after being caught in a crushing machine at Carnsew Quarry at Mabe in July 2004.

Aram Resources Limited of Longdowns, Penryn, was fined £75,000 and ordered to pay costs of £30,000.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said the case highlighted the potential risks and dangers of working in the quarry industry.

Mr Bickley, of Mylor Bridge, suffered fatal head injuries when he was repairing equipment at the quarry and became caught in machinery.

"There is no room for complacency"
Simon Edwards, Health and Safety Executive

An inquest recorded a verdict of accidental death last year.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Simon Edwards said no matter how small the business was, every quarry operator was required by law to identify the risks on site and provide adequate training for its workers.

"Although much has been done to improve health and safety standards in the quarry industry, there is no room for complacency," he said.

"A quarry worker is more than twice as likely to be killed through an accident at work as a construction worker and 13 times as likely as someone working in the manufacturing industries."

Mr Edwards said Aram Resources Limited failed to identify the guards for the machinery, did not comply with health and safety standards and had not provided adequate training and supervision.

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