Two farm workers were tragically killed in a devastating incident when a sandstone wall collapsed due to safety failures by the company involved. The incident occurred at Myrehead Farm near Linlithgow, West Lothian, where the nine-foot-six high wall was left free-standing after the demolition of a former milking byre years earlier. The Stirling Sheriff Court heard that local contractors Fernbrooke Scotland had been tasked with underpinning the wall by installing steel cages filled with stones and concrete at its base.
Peter Walker, aged 53, from Blackburn, West Lothian, and James Henderson, 48, from Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, were working on creating a trench for the cages when the wall suddenly split in the middle horizontally, causing 50 tonnes of sandstone blocks to collapse on them. This tragic incident resulted in the immediate death of Mr. Henderson and Mr. Walker. Two other men, David McNeil and Charles Johnstone, also suffered severe injuries as a result of the collapse.
Investigations by a Health and Safety Executive inspector revealed that there were no temporary supports or shoring used during the underpinning process, leading to the unsafe condition that caused the wall to collapse. Fernbrooke Scotland LLP, the company responsible for the safety of the workers, pleaded guilty to failing to ensure their safety and omitting to check the condition of the wall prior to commencing work.
The court proceedings saw the company expressing deep regret and offering its sincerest sympathies to the families of the deceased. Fernbrooke has ceased similar works since the incident and settled all civil claims related to the tragedy. The sentencing of the firm has been deferred, pending further consideration by Sheriff Keith O’Mahony.
This heart-wrenching incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritising safety measures in all work environments to prevent such devastating tragedies from occurring in the future. It highlights the critical need for strict adherence to safety protocols and regulations to ensure the well-being of all workers on-site. Safety should always be the top priority in any workplace to avoid such heartbreaking loss of life.