LU faces fine over worker's death

London Underground is facing a huge fine over the death of a security guard from carbon monoxide poisoning. Olatunji Owolabi, 59, was overcome by fumes from a petrol engine generator while guarding a power sub-station owned by LU.

Mr Owolabi, from Wandsworth, had been hired to protect the empty building in Balham High Street to prevent graffiti attacks. He died in June last year.

LU has pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to ensure its premises were safe without risks to non-employees under the Health and Safety Act. Wilson James Ltd, the contractor which employed Mr Owolabi, pleaded guilty in a separate court case to failing to ensure the safety of an employee. Both firms can expect a fine possibly running into tens of thousands of pounds when they are sentenced at Blackfriars Crown Court on Monday.

The Health and Safety Executive said the case highlighted widespread ignorance over carbon monoxide poisoning, especially from solid fuels and petrol. The generator was being used to power lighting inside the sub-station as the electricity had been cut off.

LU said it had reviewed its procedures since the death.