Firm fined following carbon monoxide death

A security firm has been fined after an employee tragically died in a workplace accident of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Thomas Fraser died after working as a security guard for Glasgow-based Alpha Group Security Ltd on a construction site in February 2008. He had used a portable power generator in his on-site flat but had not been given instructions on its safe use and he operated it without proper ventilation. He died after being overcome by a build up of fumes.

Alpha Group Security Ltd pleaded guilty to breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 at Hamilton Sheriff Court and was fined £7,000. Clyde Valley Housing Association which subcontracted Alpha Group Security was fined £70,000.

HSE Inspector Adrian Tinson said: “It should not be assumed that someone knows how to operate equipment. Responsible management of risk should have ensured the safe set up and use of the portable petrol generator in a well-ventilated area which could have avoided this unnecessary death.”

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