Firms in dock over St Catherine’s House lift shaft death fall

Published: 20th May, 2011
by DAVID ST GEORGE

GRIEVING loved-ones of a “skilled worker” who plunged to his death down a lift shaft were in court at the Old Bailey to hear details of the tragedy unfold.

Two firms deny allegations under health and safety laws, before a jury and presided over by the Recorder of London, Judge Peter Beaumont.

Companies Swift Horsman Ltd and Structuretone Ltd, were revamping St Catherine’s House, Kingsway, at the time Christopher White met his death, in August 2007. They are represented separately by leading barristers Adrian Darbishire and Simon Antrobus in a case which will focus on the evidence of expert witnesses.

Mr White, 45, from Kent, was last seen on the afternoon of August 14 fitting toilets on the seventh floor of the nine-storey building. 

He and a colleague used a special lift which could only be operated by a key kept for the fire brigade.

It is claimed that he stepped inside the lift opening in the dark, unaware that no lift was at that level. 

Prosecutor Richard Beynon provided jurors with diagrams and photographs of the building. He described the events leading to the death of Mr White, a working foreman for Swift Horsman, and a “well-respected, conscientious, easy-going” family man.

Mr White’s body was found at the bottom of the shaft. 

Mr Beynon said this was an accident “which shouldn’t have happened” and the two companies failed to discharge the duty of care required and “straightforward precautions” should have been in operation.

The case continues.