JLR admits safety breach but is cleared over worker’s death

CAR manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover has been fined for safety breaches discovered during an investigation into a death of a worker at its Halewood factory.

Liverpool Crown Court heard Graham Begley, 49, from Halewood, was found trapped between two 24 tonne pieces of car making machinery called ‘dies’ in September 2011 at the Merseyside plant.

The court was told it is thought Mr Begley was moving the machinery with a crane when its chain/hook snagged on the die, causing it to crush him.

As part of its investigation into the incident, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found Jaguar Land Rover had failed in its duty to undertake a suitable risk assessment of the risks to its employees were exposed to in relation to the pre-lift process when lifting dies.

It was accepted in court that the regulation breach was not causative of Mr Begley’s death and that Jaguar Land Rover provides a safe workplace and a culture that promotes health and safety of paramount importance.

Jaguar Land Rover Ltd of Abbey Road, Whitley, Coventry, was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) over breaches of Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

After entering a guilty plea, Jaguar Land Rover was fined £30,000 and agreed to make a contribution towards HSE costs of £20,000.

After the hearing, HSE head of operations for the North West, Mark Dawson said: “A suitable risk assessment is an essential step in ensuring that the risks arising from work activities are properly controlled.

“This is particularly important where the work is hazardous and has the potential to result in serious harm. Employers are therefore reminded of their legal responsibility to identify the hazards and decide on the precautions that may be necessary.”

A spokesperson for Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Jaguar Land Rover has been found not guilty of causing the death of employee Graham Begley in September 2011.

The company did however plead guilty to charges relating to its written risk assessment paper work, which the court did not deem sufficiently detailed in relation to lifting operations in its Press Shop. The court however concluded that this offence did not cause the tragic accident. The written risk assessment was amended soon after the accident.

“The Halewood Plant continues to focus on extensive and detailed employee training and have introduced cutting edge technology, pioneered in-house, within the Halewood press shop.”

The spokesman added: “Jaguar Land Rover is totally committed to safeguarding the safety and well-being of its workforce. We continue to work tirelessly to ensure this remains our highest priority. We once again wish to extend our thoughts and condolences to the family of Graham who was a much respected friend and colleague.”