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Construction Firms Convicted in Laborer's Burial Death
22 May
Summary
- Two companies convicted over a worker's death in a collapsed trench.
- A manager pleaded guilty to failing his health and safety duties.
- No trench supports were found, leading to the fatal accident.
A tragic construction site accident has resulted in the conviction of two companies and a manager. Gheorghita Arsene, a 33-year-old labourer, lost his life on June 24, 2020, when a 10ft deep trench collapsed, burying him in soil at a Banstead, Surrey site.
Appledorn Developments Limited and T Vaughan Limited were found guilty of health and safety violations. Contracts manager Anthony O'Connor admitted to failing his duties under the Health and Safety Act. This followed a lengthy trial where a manslaughter charge against O'Connor could not reach a verdict.
Investigations revealed a complete lack of trench supports and improper soil disposal. These failures directly contributed to the 'entirely avoidable' death, as described in court. Sentencing for the convicted parties is set for September 7, with pre-sentence reports ordered.
