PLANT DRIVER DIED AFTER TRAGIC WORK ACCIDENT

From the Guardian Series, first published Wednesday 3rd Oct 2001.

A HEALTH and safety investigation has been launched after a 32-year-old man was tragically killed in a crane accident at work.

Philip Belton suffered fatal injuries when the incident happened at Brunner Mond's Winnington site, at around 11am last Tuesday, September 25.

The 32-year-old plant driver from the Wirral had been working for Baldwins, a plant hire company contracted to work at the site.

It is thought Mr Belton had been preparing for work when he was hit by the arm of a crane, which was being used to carry out maintenance work on the company's kilns.

The alarm was raised when a colleague working nearby heard the noise from the accident and started the company's first aid procedure.

Paramedics arrived at the scene immediately and Mr Belton was still conscious when he was rushed to Leighton Hospital.

However he later died in hospital and the cause of death has now been confirmed as multiple injuries.

A Brunner Mond spokesman said two of the company's first-aiders attended the scene within three minutes.

He added: "This is a tragic incident and all of us at Brunner Mond are shocked and extremely sorry about its occurrence.

"We send out sincerest condolences to the deceased man's family."

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said an inquest was opened and adjourned into the death of Mr Belton for identification purposes on Thursday, September 27.

He added that the Health and Safety Executive had been informed and a full investigation was now taking place into the incident.

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