A Felixstowe man has been charged with manslaughter following a fatal construction incident in Woodbridge nearly four years ago. Peter Clifford, 62, faces multiple charges related to the death of Dale Baker, 30, who died while undertaking renovation work.
The big picture: The incident took place on December 15, 2020, at a property in Haughgate Close, Woodbridge. Dale Baker, from Felixstowe, sustained serious injuries and died at the scene despite emergency services' efforts.
A joint investigation was conducted by the police Major Investigation Team and the Health and Safety Executive, which has now resulted in the charging of Peter Clifford, also from Felixstowe, nearly four years later.
Details of the charges: Clifford faces three charges:
Gross negligence manslaughter
Failing to discharge the employer's general duty under Section 2(1) of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
Failing to discharge the employer's general duty under Section 3(1) of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
Hintonwood East Anglia Ltd, of which Clifford is a director, faces two additional charges:
Failing to discharge the employer's general duty under Section 2(1) of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
Failing to discharge the employer's general duty under Section 3(1) of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
What's next: Clifford has been summoned to appear before Ipswich Magistrates' Court on Friday, November 15th.
The bottom line: This case underscores the importance of workplace safety measures and the potential legal ramifications for employers when tragic incidents occur on construction sites.
