John Graham (Dromore) Limited, has been fined a total of £80,000 plus £1,386 costs after pleading guilty at a hearing at Downpatrick Crown Court to two breaches of health and safety legislation.

The case against the company was brought by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI).

The case arose out of an incident that occurred on 26th June 2009 on a new waste water scheme at Bangor. Part of the project involved the construction of a 6.4metre deep underground water collection chamber. During the construction of this chamber, the access areas in the roof of the chamber were not adequately covered and the means of accessing the chamber was inadequate. During the course of the work a worker on the site fell into the chamber, receiving severe injuries to his head and spine which has left him in a complete paraplegic condition, with a traumatic brain injury.

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After the hearing Mr Kevin Campbell, an Inspector with HSENI said: "It is vital that companies identify and address hazards within the workplace. Falls from height must be prevented by the implementation of sensible and effective procedures. These systems need to be communicated to the workforce, implemented, maintained, and updated when necessary. Simple measures would have prevented workers on this project from falling."

(CD)