Industrial Door Firm Faces £165,000 Fine for Safety Failures
In a tragic incident, an industrial door firm has been fined £165,000 for safety failures that led to the death of a worker. Mark Mathers, a 33-year-old mechanic, lost his life when his hoodie got entangled in a roller door mechanism at Specialist Cars Volkswagen in Aberdeen. The accident occurred on September 15, 2018, and Mark succumbed to his injuries three days later in the hospital.
The Fatal Incident
Mark Mathers was an experienced mechanic, well-versed in servicing and repairing door torsion springs. On the day of the incident, he was working with a colleague on a door torsion spring. During the task, his hoodie became trapped in the spring mechanism, causing it to wind around his neck. Despite his colleague’s swift action to cut him free, Mark had already lost consciousness. He was immediately taken to the hospital, where he remained in intensive care until life support was withdrawn three days later. The cause of death was identified as hypoxic brain injury and mechanical asphyxia, following a brain stem haemorrhage.
Safety Failures and Legal Proceedings
Aberdeen Sheriff Court learned that Mark’s employer, Patrick Forman Industrial Doors, failed to conduct a sufficient risk assessment regarding the hazards associated with door torsion springs. The company, a family-run business, admitted to failing to establish and maintain a safe working system for their employees.
The court emphasized the firm’s negligence in providing adequate safety measures, information, and training. There was a repeated advisory against wearing loose clothing, and boiler suits were supplied to workers. However, no formal policy was in place to enforce these guidelines.
Sheriff Christine McCrossan underscored the duty of employers to ensure the health and safety of their employees. She pointed out that simply advising workers not to wear hoodies was insufficient; there should have been concrete guidelines to prevent such accidents.
Lessons for Employers
This case serves as a stark reminder for employers about the critical importance of stringent safety policies and practices. The prosecution argued that the risks were foreseeable and preventable with a proper safety system in place. Debbie Carroll, leading the health and safety investigation for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), stated that Mark’s death could have been avoided with recognized risks and appropriate safety measures.
The court found Patrick Forman Industrial Doors to be highly culpable, leading to the imposition of a £165,000 fine. This significant penalty highlights the severe consequences of neglecting workplace safety.
Broader Implications and Recent Cases
The incident of Mark Mathers is not an isolated one. Recent safety breaches have also resulted in legal actions and fines. For instance, footage showed a woman being thrown from a funfair ride, leading to a director receiving a suspended sentence. In another case, firms were fined after a teenage worker was exposed to asbestos.
These cases underline the broader implications of workplace safety lapses. Employers must recognize that failing to implement robust health and safety measures can result in dire consequences, including loss of life, substantial fines, and legal accountability.
Final Thoughts
The tragic death of Mark Mathers illustrates the critical need for comprehensive safety protocols in the workplace. Employers must ensure that all potential hazards are identified and mitigated through proper risk assessments, clear policies, and thorough training. The fine imposed on Patrick Forman Industrial Doors serves as a reminder that the cost of neglecting employee safety is far greater than any financial penalty.
