The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has revealed that Balfour Beatty will be prosecuted following a fatality at the Atomic Weapons Establishment’s (AWE) Aldermaston site.
The health and safety charge relates to an incident which occurred at the site in West Berkshire on 6 July 2023.
A 58-year-old construction worker died after sustaining fatal injuries.
The prosecution alleges a breach of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 Section 2(1), and 3(1).
The decision to begin legal proceedings follows an investigation into the incident by the ONR.
According to an ONR site report published in 2023, the incident occurred at AWE’s Hub Construction Enclave, resulting in significant injuries to two workers.
One worker was airlifted to hospital, where he subsequently died from his injuries, the report said.
‘Great sadness’
A statement from the nuclear regulator confirmed that court proceedings are now underway, with details of the first hearing to be revealed in due course.
Commenting on the incident, a Balfour Beatty spokesperson said: “We acknowledge the findings of the Office for Nuclear Regulation investigation, published today, and it is with great sadness that we look back on the tragic events of July 2023.
“Our heartfelt thoughts remain with our colleague’s family, friends and co-workers.
“The health and safety of our workforce will always be our primary concern. As legal proceedings have now commenced, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
In a statement, AWE said the 2023 fatality was a conventional health and safety matter, and there was no radiological risk to the public.
“The safety and security of our people, our communities, and our sites is always our top priority,” it added. “Our thoughts remain with the family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.”
