Carillion Construction has been fined £200,000 for a “wholly avoidable” railway death near Saxilby in Lincolnshire in December 2012. The contractor was prosecuted by safety regulator the Office of Rail & Road for breaching health and safety laws after maintenance worker Scott Dobson from Doncaster was struck by a passing train.

 

A number of failings were found in Carillion’s planning and maintenance of the work. Only one of the two railway lines had been blocked while maintenance was being done, but both lines should have been closed.

 

Carillion Construction pleaded guilty to the charge at Lincolnshire Magistrates’ Court on Monday and was ordered to pay the fine and costs of around £36,500.

 

HM Chief Inspector of Railways Ian Prosser said: “This accident was wholly avoidable, had Carillion Construction followed health and safety rules set out for the railways. Our sympathies are with Mr Dobson’s family. The safety of workers and passengers is a top priority for the regulator.”

 

A Carillion spokesman said: “We would again like to express our condolences to the family and friends of Mr Dobson. This tragic accident caused deep sadness and shock to those of us in Carillion and the rest of the industry.

 

“Following the accident we undertook a detailed examination of our safety processes and procedures to identify any lessons which could be learnt. We have also made a number of improvements which go beyond current industry standards.

 

“We go to great lengths to ensure that our workforce understands the importance of safety and they are actively encouraged to raise any concerns they may have, which we always act upon.”

 

(Photo: Network Rail)