On a tragic day in May 2016, a fatal accident occurred. Martin Tilby, an employee of ASL Access Scaffold Limited, was electrocuted while operating a crane attached to a lorry. This unfortunate event took place in a field at Cowbridge, South Glamorgan, when the crane made contact with an overhead powerline during the unloading process.
Following this incident, a thorough investigation was conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The findings were alarming. No risk assessment had been conducted for the field where the work was being carried out. Additionally, no safety measures were implemented to prevent such a hazardous interaction with the powerlines.
As a result, Cardiff Crown Court found ASL Access Scaffold Limited guilty of severe breaches. Specifically, the company violated Sections 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and LOLER Regulation 8 (1). Consequently, the court imposed a fine of £160,000 on the company, along with an order to pay £45,000 in costs.
In the aftermath of the hearing, HSE inspector Damian Corbett expressed his thoughts on the matter. He emphasized the preventable nature of the incident, highlighting the critical need for employers to properly assess risks and apply effective control measures. “This death was easily preventable,” Corbett stated. “The risk should have been identified. Employers should make sure they properly assess and apply effective control measures to minimize the risk from striking overhead powerlines. This death would have been preventable had an effective system for managing unloading materials been in place.”
The case of Martin Tilby underscores a vital lesson. It demonstrates the paramount importance of workplace safety and rigorous risk assessments. Preventative measures can and do save lives.
In conclusion, this tragic event serves as a stark reminder for all employers and workers. Safety protocols must be meticulously followed, and risk assessments should never be overlooked. Through diligent adherence to safety regulations, such needless tragedies can be avoided, ensuring a safer working environment for everyone.
