Balfour Beatty has been fined after an employee was killed in a trench collapse during cable installation work in Lancashire.

Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions, of Park Square Newton, Chambers Road, Chapeltown, Sheffield was found guilty of breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Regulation 31(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and Regulation 3(1)(a) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

It was fined £2.6 million with £54,000 in costs.


Preston Crown Court heard James Sim, 32, was a sub-contractor working on behalf of Balfour Beatty on 14 April 2010. He was working in a 2.4 metre-deep trench, laying ducting for new cable for an offshore windfarm that was being built near the coast by Heysham.

However, Mr Sim was killed when he became trapped in the trench after it collapsed on him.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found Balfour Beatty had failed to adequately risk assess the works or control the way in which the excavation took place.

HSE inspector Chris Hatton said: "The level of this fine should serve as a warning to industry not to ignore health and safety matters.

"Balfour Beatty failed to adequately assess, plan and supervise the work being undertaken. Trench collapses are easy to prevent, and it is disappointing that James' life was lost in such a tragic way.

"The family has shown great patience and support throughout this investigation which is a credit to both them and James' memory."

(LM)