Canal Trust fined after ‘tragic’ death of volunteer

A charitable trust has been fined £30,000 after a volunteer was crushed to death while carrying out restoration work.

Peter Konitzer, 62, was completing work on behalf of the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust at Pewsham Locks when a section of wall collapsed on top of him.

A joint investigation was carried out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Wiltshire Police following the incident on 24 August 2016.

Mr Konitzer’s death was “a tragic and entirely avoidable incident”, a spokesman for the HSE said.

Volunteers typically assist with general maintenance work at various canal locations.

Mr Konitzer carried out excavation work before the fatal crush.

The temporary wall support was found to be “inadequate” and the inquiry found that there were “no clear methods” for the safe installation or removal of props.

Wilts and Berks Canal Trust, of Dauntsey Lock, Chippenham, pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

As well as the fine, the Trust was ordered to pay £10,822 in costs at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 24 June.

He will also pay compensation of more than £6,000.

James Lucas, an inspector from the HSE, said: “The situation which led to Peter’s death would not have occurred if the temporary structural works had been properly planned and implemented to ensure a suitable and safe system of work prior to the incident.

“It is essential that those who control work of this nature develop safe working methods and provide workers with the necessary information, instructions and training to ensure their safety.”