Description
Construction company and director fined over fatal accident: At Dundee Sheriff Court on 8 June 2009, Richard Pratt, a Director of Discovery Homes (Scotland) Ltd, pled guilty to a breach of sections 2(1) & 37 the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
The conviction is only the second successful prosecution of a company Director in Scotland. Mr Pratt accepted that the company's failure to ensure adequate guarding of a smoke extraction shaft was attributable to his neglect and constituted a breach of the company's duty to ensure the health, safety & welfare of its employees, including the deceased.
Following submissions, the Sheriff accepted the accused's means were limited and imposed discounted fines of £5,000 and £4,000 on the company and Director, respectively.
Barry Smith of Compass Chambers represented the Director.
