Airline fined over worker accidentAmerican Airlines has been fined £70,000 after an employee lost his leg in an accident at Heathrow Airport in November 2008.
Ground support worker Kulwant Bhara, 45, from Slough, Berkshire, needed to have his right leg amputated below the knee after a 70-tonne "tug" vehicle used to move aircraft reversed over it.
The Old Bailey was told that it was dark when the accident happened and the vehicle had no reversing lights or audible alarm for reversing movements. Modifying the three such tugs owned by the company at Heathrow would have taken seven hours and cost just £1,000.
Judge Nicholas Loraine-Smith, who said there had been two similar accidents in the US, said: "These two factors contributed significantly and it should have had both. These deficiencies should have been addressed long before this accident."
American Airlines, which has a UK turnover of £682 million, was fined £70,000 as well as paying costs of £10,581.25 after admitting two charges under health and safety legislation.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
Levenes Comment
This story illustrates all too painfully that industry has a long way to go with regard to health and safety contrary to what certain newspapers might have you believe. The accident would have been prevented if the Defendant had spent a very modest sum of money to ensure that work equipment was suitable for the workplace. Given the huge turnover of the airline involved the fine payable by the company is tiny. Meanwhile Mr Bhara has to rebuild his shattered life.
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