NI Company Fined Over Death Of Employee

One of Northern Ireland's leading construction companys and an architect have been fined after pleading guilty to two breaches of health and safety legislation which caused the death of an employee five years ago.

Henry Brothers (Magherafelt) Limited was fined a total of £75,000 plus £15,000 costs after previously pleading guilty at Antrim Crown Court to two breaches of health and safety legislation.

Architect Mr Anthony Stewart was fined £5,000 for offences arising out of the same incident.

The case against the Henry Brothers Ltd and Mr Stewart was brought by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI).


Desmond Stevenson,62, an employee of Henry Brothers, (Magherafelt) Limited was killed in September 2006 when a section of a portable office unit collapsed on top of him during an operation to reposition the unit to another location.

At the time of the incident he was inside the section removing temporary bracing.

A subsequent investigation by HSENI revealed that the bracing which was supposed to support the structure during relocation was not sufficient.

The investigation also found that Mr Stewart, who was appointed as design team leader, did not design out the foreseeable risk of uncontrolled collapse. This risk of collapse was not identified by Mr Stewart.

Ms Denise Donaghy, an inspector with HSENI’s Major Investigation Team said: "This case sends out a clear reminder to architects and designers that the risks involved in construction activities must be considered and addressed at the design stage.

"Also companies involved in construction must make sure their activities are carried out in a safe and considered manner".

(LB/BMcC)