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PHW · Construction · 2026-09-09

Appledorn Developments Limited and T Vaughan Limited fined £1,150,000 after a worker was buried and killed in an unsupported trench collapse

Banstead, Surrey · Old Bailey

What happened

A worker was working in an unsupported trench replacing a damaged pipe when the walls collapsed without warning and buried him under approximately two tonnes of soil. No adequate measures had been taken to prevent collapse of the excavation.

Injuries: Fatal.

The breach

Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (companies) and Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (the contracts manager)

The sentence

  • Fine: £1,150,000
  • Costs: £40,000
  • Other sentence: a self-employed contracts manager: 10 months' imprisonment suspended for 18 months plus 150 hours unpaid work
HSE inspector

“His death was as horrifying as it was preventable; basic precautions were not in place to protect workers from the well-known risks of excavation work.”

What would have prevented it

Support excavations properly and never allow work in unsupported trenches.

How PHW helps

The machines, packs and quizzes that fit this kind of site.

Sector

Training and H&S evidence for construction sites

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Safety pack

Excavations and buried services

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Quiz

Could you show a site manager today, in writing, that each operator is authorised to use your machines?

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Source: HSE press release, Two companies and an individual sentenced after worker crushed by two tonnes of soil in trench collapse