Labour Research May 2004

Health & Safety Matters

Record train fine

Thames Trains have been fined a record £2 million over the Ladbroke Grove crash, which resulted in 31 deaths.

The train operator pleaded guilty to breaches of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, admitting "serious omissions" in its driver training programme. The crash occurred when a Thames Train driver drove through a red signal.

Commenting on the case, the rail union RMT renewed its calls for an effective corporate manslaughter law, pointing out that the company has received huge subsidies and the public is effectively paying the fine.