Fitter's family to sue over tanker fatality
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• The family of a BFI Wastecare mechanic who was killed while repairing a tanker is planning to sue the company after an inquest recorded a verdict of death by unlawful killing.
Michael Curtis, 33, was using an oxyacetylene torch when left-over fumes from waste diesel and lubrication oil in the empty tanker exploded. It is thought he was trying to free a nut, on a valve.
The accident happened at BFI's Clevedon depot near Bristol nearly two years ago. Last year the company was fined £54,000 with £11,000 costs after admitting three breaches of health and safety regulations. The inquest was delayed until this month because a witness was taken ill.
Following reorganisation throughout BFI's UK depots in October, implementation of safety procedures are monitored by compliance director Mike Walton. After the inquest he said the accident underlined how health and safety issues should be a daily consideration of management. "It is putting in law what is a human thing to do—looking after your fellow man," he said.
Walton declined to comment about compensation but Andrew Curtis, the victim's brother, confirmed that the family was planning to sue the company.