20.11.17
Southeastern fined £2.5m after cleaner is electrocuted on live rail
Southeastern Trains along with a company contracted to clean its trains have been fined following the death of a cleaner three years ago.
The prosecution, which was brought about by the Office of Rail and Road, has resulted in a £2.5m fine for the train operator and a £1.1m fine for Wetton Cleaning Services (Wettons).
Roger Lower, 46, was electrocuted after falling onto a 750 volt live rail at West Marina Depot, near Hastings in May 2014.
Mr. Lower, who had been working for Wettons for three months, had arrived for his night shift and he and his colleagues had started cleaning the sides of the trains, Guildford Crown Court heard.
He was later found lying on the live rail, and emergency services were called, but he sadly died shortly afterwards.
Cleaners at West Marina should have been protected from the live rail by ‘Protection Boards,’ but the ORR reports that inspectors found that though four boards were present at the location, none were in use.
Wettons was employed by Southeastern to clean its trains and the West Marina depot was leased from Network Rail for that purpose.
ORR’s investigation revealed health and safety failures by both companies, with a culture of cutting corners, exposing workers to serious risks.
The failures included relying on paperwork as opposed to checking what was happening in the depot; not ensuring that safe systems were in operation; and inadequate training and supervision.
Ian Prosser, HM chief inspector of railways, said: “Our thoughts are with Mr Lower’s family and friends at this difficult time.
“The failings by Wettons and Southeastern were unacceptable and show the consequences of not abiding by health and safety, including the provisions of the law.
“As always, ORR is committed to monitoring compliance and taking tough enforcement action when necessary, as this tragic case demonstrates.”
Managing director at Southeastern, David Statham, said that the train operator deeply regrets that it did not prevent the death of Mr. Lower.
He said: “At Southeastern, we set ourselves high safety standards underpinned by robust procedures.
“We recognise that on this occasion there’s more we and our contractors could have done to meet those high standards.
“That is why we took decisive action immediately after this incident, commissioning an independent review to identify lessons learnt, which included the introduction of additional safety checks and the installation of extra safety equipment.”
RTM has contacted Wettons for comment.
Top Image: Class466cuxto