Dungannon construction firm fined £50k over worker's death

Mid Ulster Contracts Limited was prosecuted following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) into an incident at a construction site at Culmore Road, Derry on November 6, 2014.

Mr Phillip Fenwick was assisting in a lifting operation of a roof trust, which was being hoisted by its apex using a homemade lifting accessory.

During this operation Mr Fenwick was struck on the head by the roof truss, sustaining a fractured skull. He tragically died the following day from his injury.

Speaking after the hearing Mr Jonathan Knox, a HSE inspector, said: “My thoughts today are very much with Phillip Fenwick’s family circle.

“Lifting operations can often put people at great risk of injury and sadly, as in this case, can lead to death.

“It is essential therefore that employers ensure that any lifting operation is appropriately resourced, properly planned and organised by a competent person, to ensure that it is carried out in a safe manner.”