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Trench death of 30-year old worker was tragic and unnecessary
A construction worker died after he fell into a 3-metre deep trench at Cranhill Park, Glasgow, on 3rd April 2008 after which he became buried by both the soil from the trench wall and spoil dangerously deposited too close to the trench. The work involved the laying of a sewage pipe by project subcontractor Cameron and Stephenson (Scotland) Ltd who no longer trade.
A written judgement by the Sheriff presiding at the fatal accident concluded that his death might have been avoided if he and his colleagues had:

• used one or both of the trench boxes provided by their employer;
• used the plastic edge protection barriers on site to prevent him  falling into the trench; and
• deposited the spoil at least 3 metres from the edge of the trench wall, reducing both the pressure on the trench wall and, on collapse, the volume of unsupported earth entering the trench.
   

During the inquiry a difference of opinion was expressed by HSE inspectors regarding the adequacy of site supervision. The Sheriff opined that Cameron & Stevenson (Scotland) Ltd were not at fault for not providing permanent supervision on site to such an experienced team.
The excavator operator had previously pleaded guilty to a contravention of S.7 of the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, having failed to follow instructions and failed to ensure the health and safety of his fellow employees.
The Sheriff summed up, saying "Unfortunately, this event is one more example of health and safety practice, training and procedures being ignored in the interests of expediency with lethal results." He described the deceased's widow's and family's loss as "'tragic and unnecessary".

This is a Safety Standard article first published on 21st December 2011©