Demolition worker killed by excavator bucket, HSE prosecutes

Two individuals and one company have been prosecuted for the death of John Cain, 36 in 2004. Cain was struck by an excavator bucket while working on a demolition site in Salford.

The Health and Safety Executive prosecuted due to a number of health and safety offences which otherwise would have prevented his death.

HSE Inspector Stuart Kitchingman said:

"This case demonstrates how important it is for contractors to be aware of their health and safety duties, especially when there are several companies working on a project.

Barry Godliman and Robert Watson were the principal contractors on the site and so should have made sure all work was carried out safely. Windmill Demolition had been hired to oversee and carry out the demolition work, and so had responsibilities for managing safety as well.

I hope this case will encourage construction companies to do more to manage health and safety on sites effectively."


Barry Godliman and Robert Watson pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 by failing to ensure the safety of workers on the site. In total they £9,500 each in fines and costs.

Windmill Demolition was found guilty of the same offences and fined £15,000.

Source: HSE