Scrap metal giant EMR was sentenced at Warwickshire crown court on Friday (December 19) after pleading guilty to safety failings at the Kingsbury site.
The court heard how William Ward, 56, from Handsworth, Sheffield, was killed when part of a 33-tonne metal barge he was dismantling collapsed on top of him in October 2011.
The married father of two had been working alongside others to cut and dismantle two large steel barges using oxy-actylene torches – and had moved inside the unsupported structure after cutting through the outer skin of the barge’s hull when the side collapsed in on him.
Mr Ward sustained catastrophic crush injuries in the incident and died at the scene.
An investigation by HSE identified ‘serious flaws’ with the method of work employed to dismantle the barges, ruling that EMR had failed to ensure burning contractors on site were competent and working safely.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Mark Austin said: “European Metal Recycling Ltd used Mr Ward to work for them as a burner, and were responsible for his safety and for ensuring the barges were being dismantled in a safe manner.
Scrap metal giant EMR was sentenced at Warwickshire crown court on Friday (December 19) after pleading guilty to safety failings at the Kingsbury site.
The court heard how William Ward, 56, from Handsworth, Sheffield, was killed when part of a 33-tonne metal barge he was dismantling collapsed on top of him in October 2011.
The married father of two had been working alongside others to cut and dismantle two large steel barges using oxy-actylene torches – and had moved inside the unsupported structure after cutting through the outer skin of the barge’s hull when the side collapsed in on him.
Mr Ward sustained catastrophic crush injuries in the incident and died at the scene.
An investigation by HSE identified ‘serious flaws’ with the method of work employed to dismantle the barges, ruling that EMR had failed to ensure burning contractors on site were competent and working safely.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Mark Austin said: “European Metal Recycling Ltd used Mr Ward to work for them as a burner, and were responsible for his safety and for ensuring the barges were being dismantled in a safe manner.
