The charge relates to an incident which occurred at AWE’s Aldermaston site in West Berkshire on 6 July 2023.

A 58 year old male construction worker from East London died after sustaining fatal injuries.

The decision to begin legal proceedings follows an investigation into the incident by ONR, the UK’s independent nuclear regulator.

The incident was a conventional health and safety matter, and there was no radiological risk to the public.

Court proceedings are now underway, with details of the first hearing to be confirmed when available.

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.”