Fish farm firms fined over £500,000 after two die on barge

TWO COMPANIES have been fined a total of £640,000 following the deaths of two fish farm workers on a barge moored at a salmon farm.

Maarten Den Heijer, 30, from Oban, Argyll, and 45-year-old volunteer fireman Robert MacDonald, from Appin, died after trying to save their colleagues.

The incident occurred on 11 May 2009, when Scottish Sea Farms worker Campbell Files and engineer Arthur Raikes - employed by Logan Inglis Limited, Cumbernauld - were fixing a hydraulic crane on the barge on Loch Creran, Argyll and Bute.

The pair had gone below deck to find cabling and pipe work, but the oxygen levels below deck were very low and Mr Files passed out while Mr Raikes managed to climb back out.

In an attempt to rescue Mr Files, colleagues Mr Den Heijer and Mr MacDonald entered the small chamber below deck but lost consciousness almost immediately.

Emergency services attended, but managed to save Mr Files only.

Mr Den Heijer and Mr MacDonald were pronounced dead at the scene.

Following the incident, inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) discovered Scottish Sea Farms had not provided suitable information, instruction and training for employees working in the small sealed chambers on the Loch Creran barge or a safe way for them to work.

Logan Inglis Limited had not provided information, instruction or training for their engineers on working in these confined spaces so Mr Raikes was also not aware of the risks he faced on the barge.

Neither company had identified the risk to their respective employees from working in the confined space chambers.

At Oban Sheriff Court yesterday, Scottish Sea Farms was fined 600,000 after it pled guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Logan Inglis Limited, from Cumbernauld, also plead guilty to a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act and was fined 40,000.

HSE Principal Inspector Barry Baker said: "These two men were trying to help save their colleague's life when they tragically lost their own.

"Aquaculture is an important industry in Scotland and one that we can be very proud of.

"However, we must not forget that the marine environment is dangerous and unforgiving.

"Since September 2007 the Marine Accident Investigation Branch has started three investigations into incidents in which a total of six seafarers have died in confined spaces.

"The deaths in this case should have been avoided - the risks should have been identified and a clear and safe system of work prepared."Only those fully trained in confined space work and emergency rescue should have carried out the work in the chamber, and only after a full risk assessment including air monitoring and testing for oxygen levels."

In response to the fine imposed on Logan Inglis Ltd, the firm's managing director Robert Morrison said: "Logan Inglis Ltd takes today's decision of the court very seriously.

"This tragic incident has shaped new health and safety procedures, with comprehensive training and clearer communication with management."

Last night Scottish Sea Farms could not be reached for comment.