Fife mechanic died after being crushed under tanker lorry, inquiry hears

A Fife man died after being crushed under a tanker lorry while repairing it, a Fatal Accident Inquiry has found.

Gary Campbell, 29, an experienced mechanic who lived in Glenrothes died on the morning of March 15, 2019 while repairing a Scania tanker lorry at the premises of Oilfast Ltd in Forfar.

A mandatory FAI was launched into the death of the Scania workshop foreman as it occurred while in the course of his employment.

The inquiry at Kirkcaldy Sherriff Court heard Mr Campbell had died while replacing a damaged airbag located in the axle suspension unit of the lorry.

He had inflated the remaining suspension units to allow for space to work beneath the vehicle, between the tyre and axle wing, when another of the bags burst causing it to move downwards.

Mr Campbell became trapped under the vehicle and was crushed.

Employees of Oilfast and other nearby businesses rushed to Mr Campbell’s aid but he was pronounced dead by paramedics 30 minutes later.

Sheriff McFarlane expressed her sympathy to Mr Campbell’s family and ruled he failed follow his training and use the appropriate tools or equipment, contributing to his death.

In her ruling, she wrote: “It appears from all the evidence presented to the inquiry that Mr Campbell was suitably qualified and trained to carry out the task that he was sent to do.

“This was a routine task. He was well aware from his training that there were procedures to follow and a safe system of work to carry out the task.

“It is my opinion from all the evidence presented that Mr Campbell did not follow his training and took an unnecessary risk, which had tragic consequences.

“I cannot speculate as to why Mr Campbell decided to proceed with the repair without the appropriate tools or equipment.”

The purpose of an inquiry is to establish the circumstances of the death and to consider what steps, if any, may be taken to prevent other deaths in similar circumstances.  

Unlike a criminal trial, an FAI seeks to establish the facts surrounding the death and is not a hearing which apportions blame.  

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations for COPFS said: ”We note and welcome the Sheriff’s determination. 

“The Procurator Fiscal ensured that the full facts and circumstances of Mr Campbell’s death were led in evidence at the mandatory Fatal Accident Inquiry.”