A Reading-based contractor has been fined £30,000 after the death of a delivery driver.
Father of four Levi Alleyne, known as Chunky, was electrocuted while delivering crushed concrete to a construction site where BBM Contracts was principal contractor.
He died after the crane arm of his lorry came into contact with an overhead power line, which created an electrical charge.
The 41-year-old later died from his injuries.
According to a statement from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), BBC Contracts ordered the delivery and chose the area that the crushed concrete would be delivered to.
This delivery area was below an 11kv overhead powerline.
HSE inspectors said the company was aware of the powerlines but did not consider whether there was an alternative way of working that avoided them, nor did it put in place demarcations or warnings.
An alternative delivery route was used following the incident, which took place on Swallowfield Road in Reading on 16 November 2020.
BBM Contracts Ltd, of Aldbourne Avenue, Earley, Reading, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
It was fined £30,000 at Reading Magistrates’ Court.
After the hearing HSE principal inspector Georgina Symons said: “This tragic incident led to the death of a father of four. This death might have been prevented if the contractor had correctly identified and managed the risks involved.
“The dangers associated with overhead powerlines are well-known and a wealth of advice and guidance is freely available from HSE and other organisations.”
