Engineer's death in Perth Co-op shop ruled 'avoidable tragedy'

The death of an engineer in a Scottish supermarket four years ago has been ruled a “tragedy that could easily have been avoided” by a sheriff.

Kenneth Heron, 51, died six days after being crushed beneath a scissor lift in a Perth Co-op in 2019.

The former British Army electrical engineer became trapped underneath the hydraulic lift while carrying out routine servicing on it.

He had opened a hydraulic port on the lift, while the platform above his head and shoulders was being supported by the hydraulic system.

The platform fell on Mr Heron, who then became trapped underneath and suffered serious brain injuries, before his death at Ninewells Hospital six days later.

A fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into the incident has now found that the engineer had not deployed adequate supports, since he was not provided with any by his employer Wanzl.

Sheriff Derek Hamilton said that if Wanzl had provided such supports, the accident could have been prevented.

He said that that instructions on blocking devices should be reiterated to engineers and should always be provided by Wanzl if they are not available on site.

Sheriff Hamilton noted that the supports were available in the Co-op store but were not used by Mr Heron.

He also said the employer should have provided an operating manual for the lift, completed appropriate risk assessments and provided more comprehensive safety training.

However, Sheriff Hamilton said he could not conclude that such measures “might realistically have resulted in Mr Heron’s death being avoided”.

The report concluded: “I offer my condolences to Mr Heron’s wife and to his family.

“I trust they will be able to look back with some pride on the medals and awards bestowed upon Mr Heron
during his service to this country.”