Farming partnership fined GBP 13.5k over fatal accident

31/08/2010

A Moray farming partnership has been fined GBP 13,500 after a schoolboy fell through the roof of one of its buildings and died.

Austin Irvine, 13, the stepson of the farm's junior partner, was walking up the roof of a cattle shed on August 21st 2006 when he stepped on a skylight.

This collapsed, causing him to fall around 4.5 metres to the ground and sustain serious injuries.

Health and Safety Executive inspector Ann Poyner said: "This tragedy … could have been prevented if John Irvine and Son had properly assessed the risks of working on a fragile roof and taken steps to prevent falls through the roof."

John Irvine and Son, of Inverlochy Farm, Tomintoul, Ballindalloch, was issued the fine after pleading guilty at Elgin Sheriff Court.

Last month, Adam Phillips Plant Hire and Contractors Ltd of Laity Moor, Ponsanooth, and New Generation Daffodils of Crowan, near Camborne, were fined a total of GBP 5,500 after a man fell through a skylight in an accident at work.

Posted by Alison Spriggs

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