The lift manufacturer, Schindler, was fined last year, a sum of £300,000 for safety failures relating to an incident that occurred in October 2007.
Lift engineer Mr Kevin Dawson, aged 45, was working at Terminal 5A at London Heathrow. He was working in a lift shaft.
When a colleague used a lift car to fetch some equipment a counterweight descended and crushed Mr Dawson resulting in fatal injuries. On investigation by the Health and Safety Executive it was discovered that various safety components were missing with regards to the passenger lift used by workers. In addition, there was no evidence that potential risks had been identified with regards moving lift parts. Risks included communications issues such as having to shout up and down the shaft creating potential confusion with those working in nearby shafts.
Schindler admitted failing to protect employees and breaching Section 2(1) and Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Act. They also pleaded guilty under Regulation 8(1) of the lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations. In addition to the £300,000 fine the firm was also ordered to pay £169,970 in costs.