Racing car group McLaren has been fined £650,000 after a man fell to his death during an inspection at one of the company’s facilities.
David Oldham, 55, worked for Zurich Management Services Limited when he was carrying out a structural inspection of McLaren’s Paddock Brand Centre, a hospitality unit used by its Formula One racing team, when he fell from one of the upper floors. He later died of his injuries.
The incident happened on 18 October 2016 while the structure was undergoing maintenance at one of McLaren’s warehouses in Maidenhead.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found McLaren had failed to properly assess the risks and to put measures in place to prevent workers falling from height at its Paddock Brand Centre.
Following a trial at Reading Crown Court, McLaren Services Limited was found guilty of breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £650,000 and ordered to pay £110,132 in costs on 31 March.
Biggest cause of fatalities
Falls from height remain the biggest cause of fatal accidents involving workers, according to HSE.
One hundred and seventy four workers died in the UK between 2017 and 2022 after falling from height – a quarter of those killed in accidents at work.
Commenting on the trial, HSE inspector Saffron Turnell said: “Work at height is a high risk activity and falls can result in life changing injuries and death. It’s the number one reason why people like David didn’t get home from work. Those responsible to ensure his health and safety failed to do so.
“It is very important that those in control of the work identify the risk, plan to eliminate it if possible, or where it is not possible, take appropriate precautions to safeguard workers and others. Good management will also include regular monitoring that the controls in place are keeping people safe.”
Find HSE work at height guidance here.
