The Door and Hardware Federation (DHF) has issued a critical warning to all door maintenance operatives following a tragic incident involving a sectional door. This tragic event has underscored the necessity of proper spring tension management. A young worker, 33-year-old Mark Mathers, lost his life when his hoodie became entangled in a door’s spring mechanism.
The incident took place at a car showroom in Aberdeen. During a recent court hearing, the city’s Sheriff Court fined Patrick Forman Industrial Doors £165,000 for safety violations linked to the event. The company had admitted its guilt. Sheriff Christine McCrossan emphasized the gravity of workplace safety, stating that it is “the duty of every employer to ensure the health and safety of all its employees.” She further highlighted that neglecting this duty constitutes an offense.
Nick Perkins, the DHF’s Senior Training & Compliance Officer, elaborated on the case. He reported that Mr. Mathers was engaged in replacing a sectional door spring with a colleague. Unfortunately, his hooded top got caught in the spring, leading to a fatal choking incident. At the time, one of the two springs was still under tension. The inadvertent release of this tension caused the fatal injury.
Perkins stressed the importance of adhering to safety protocols. “To prevent such tragedies,” he said, “installation and maintenance companies must ensure that all tension on door springs is carefully and methodically removed. This should be done using the appropriate tools and following the correct procedures before any further work is undertaken.”
The DHF’s warning is unequivocal. Proper clothing, personal protective equipment, and safe access tools are crucial for the safe execution of door maintenance tasks. Companies are urged to conduct thorough risk assessments and create detailed method statements (RAMS) in compliance with health and safety laws.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with door maintenance. All involved in such tasks must prioritize safety and adhere strictly to recommended procedures to avoid such devastating outcomes.
