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Firms fined over death of driver
Page 11
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• Two Cornish firms have each been fined 2115,000 with £10,000 costs following the death of a truck driver whose vehicle plunged 20 feet into a quarry tip.
China clay company Imerys Minerals and quarry products company Aggregates industries pleaded guilty at Truro Crown Court to breaching Health and Safety at Work regulations in relation to the operation of the tip.
The court heard how on 20 February 2001, driver Denis Le Bretton was reversing his 50-tonne vehicle when it somersaulted over backwards. The lack of a barrier meant the vehicle fell into the tip. He suffered multiple injuries and later died in hospital.
Recorder Michael Fitton said that there was no criticism of Le Bretton's vehicle or his driving. The two companies both had excellent safety records but had failed to liaise on safety Issues in relation to tipping.
In a statement Imerys says: "The company takes safety responsibility very seriously, ensuring all those who work for, or on behalf of the company are competent and receive appropriate training. Since the accident, the company has reviewed and reinforced its health and safety standards to ensure that a similar accident will not occur again. Additionally, Imerys has assisted Aggregate Industries with Its review of site safety standards, and has carried out a full review of the safety procedures for delivery and tipping at our customer's site."