McLaren Handed Huge Fine For Tragic Engineer Death After Health And Safety Breach

McLaren has received a huge fine for the tragic death of senior engineer David Oldham.

In a tragic turn of events, senior engineer David Oldham lost his life while inspecting a temporary McLaren building in a warehouse located in Maidenhead, Berkshire, in October 2016. The incident shook the industry, and now, years later, a division of McLaren has been fined £650,000 and ordered to pay legal fees of £110,132 after being found guilty of two health and safety charges related to Mr Oldham's death.

Reading Crown Court revealed that the building which Mr Oldham was inspecting had been set up and dismantled 183 times before his fall. Despite having inspected the building five times previously, Mr Oldham fell to his death on the second day of inspecting it. The court was told that people had been advised to stay two metres away from the edge of the facility, but nothing was put in writing.

Following the incident, the company updated its health and safety policy. However, it was too little too late as the court found McLaren guilty and ordered them to pay a fine and legal fees. 

Mr Oldham's wife spoke in court, saying:

“I am especially lonely and I feel like a burden to all my family.

“I miss my husband so much. The pain breaks my heart. Every night I say goodnight to David and every morning I expect to have him still beside me.

“My darling husband’s life was taken away from him. On the same day my life ended too.”

Saffron Turnell, health and safety executive inspector, also spoke in court. She explained:

“Patricia’s powerful words make clear the impact David’s loss has had on her life.

“Work at height is a high-risk activity and falls can result in life-changing injuries and death. It’s the number one reason why people like David didn’t get home from work.

“Those responsible to ensure his health and safety failed to do so.”