Balfour Beatty will appear at Reading Crown Court as they continue their not guilty plea following the death of a worker on a nuclear site in Berkshire
The Balfour Beatty court case has already seen a pre-trial hearing on Tuesday 21 April to cover prosecution by the Office for Nuclear Regulation.
The worker, Stuart Cook, was 57 at the time of his death in 2023, which was caused by a “serious incident” during a piling exercise.
The trial will take place in 2028
The trial will take place on 22 May 2028, and will last for two weeks. Balfour Beatty is accused of failing to discharge its duty to ensure the health and safety of Mr Cook, in relation to risks arising from construction work, under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 Section 2(01), and of breaching its duty under Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
Balfour Beatty has pleaded not guilty to both of these accusations.
The circumstances of Stuart Cook’s death are completely unrelated to any radiological incidents and no risk is posed to the public, the ONR has reassured.
At the time of the incident, Stuart suffered serious injuries at AWE Aldermaston, and was air lifted to hospital where he tragically passed away.
A Balfour Beatty spokesperson said at the time: ““As a result of the incident, a colleague has tragically lost their life.
“Our deepest sympathies are with our colleague’s family, friends and co-workers at this time.
“Works have since stopped as we support the authorities with their investigation. As these are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
ONR notified its intent to prosecute last year
Balfour Beatty was informed in October 2025 that the Office for Nuclear Regulation intended to prosecute, following an investigation that determined that no radiological hazards were caused by the incident.
At the time of notification, Balfour Beatty said: “We acknowledge the findings of the Office for Nuclear Regulation investigation, published today, and it is with great sadness that we look back on the tragic events of July 2023.
“Our heartfelt thoughts remain with our colleague’s family, friends and co-workers.
“The health and safety of our workforce will always be our primary concern. As legal proceedings have now commenced, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
The post Date confirmed for Balfour Beatty court case over nuclear site death appeared first on Planning, Building & Construction Today.
