A company based in Reading have been fined following a 41-year-old man was electrocuted.

Levi Alleyne, who was also known as Chunky, died while delivering crushed concrete at a construction site along Swallowfield Road on November 16, 2020.

He was killed after the crane arm of his lorry came into close contact with an overhead power line, which then created an electrical charge.

The father-of-four died as a result of his injuries.

Nearly four years on from his passing, a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found BBM Contracts Limited, the principal contractor, ordered the delivery and chose the area where the crushed concrete would be delivered.

It’s been revealed that the delivery area was located below an 11kv overhead powerline.

The company was aware of the presence of overhead powerlines but did not consider whether there was an alternative way of working which avoided them, nor did it put in place demarcations or warnings.

An alternative delivery route was subsequently used following the incident.

Following the incident, BBM Contracts Limited, of Aldbourne Avenue, Earley, Reading, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.

The company was fined £30,000 at Reading Magistrates’ Court on June 20, 2024.

This prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Samantha Tiger and supported by HSE paralegal officer Helen Jacob.

HSE principal inspector Georgina Symons said: “This tragic incident led to the death of a father-of-four.

“This death might have been prevented if the contractor had correctly identified and managed the risks involved.

“The dangers associated with overhead power lines are well-known and a wealth of advice and guidance is freely available from HSE and other organisations.”