A construction company has been fined following the death of a worker who drowned in the River Aire.
Gary Webster lost his life after their debris-removal boat capsized at Knostrop Weir on 30 October 2017. The weir gates were not controlled, leaving the boat in turbulent water. Webster was recovered 14 minutes later and died in hospital on 1 November 2017.
HSE found BAM Nuttall Ltd failed to plan the work, assess risks, or use trained operatives to control weir gates, which would have slowed the water flow and prevented the accident.
BAM Nuttall Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. It was fined £2.345 million and ordered to pay £25,770.48 in costs.
Inspector Jayne Towey said the tragedy could have been avoided with proper risk assessment and safe working practices.
