Inquiry seven years after recovery worker died when lorry fell on him

A fatal accident inquiry will examine the death of a worker at an Aberdeenshire tyre company who died when a lorry fell on him.

Robert Garvock was recovering a stolen van, which was on its side, down an embankment on the B999 between Pitmedden and Potterton seven years ago, on October 27, 2018.

The 68-year-old senior recovery operator with Kairdson Tyres Limited, based in Ellon, was killed when the recovery lorry tipped, causing the cab to come down on him.

The Procurator Fiscal told Aberdeen Sheriff Court in August 2023 that the fatal incident happened during rain and high winds.

The recovery lorry tipped, causing the cab to come down on Mr Garvock Crown Office

Metal chains had been attached to the front and rear axles of the vehicle and Mr Garvock was standing on the nearside of the recovery vehicle cab operating the hydraulic controls when the vehicle was being lifted out of the ditch.

A police officer and one of Mr Garvock’s colleagues shouted a warning that the lorry was leaning to its nearside. The lorry then suddenly tipped onto its nearside and the cab came down on top of Mr Garvock. He died at the scene.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found a number of failings by Kairdson Tyres Limited as part of the investigation into the death of Mr Garvock, though his death was not caused by these failings.

The company no longer carry out recoveries which involve lifting operations.

Kairdson Tyres Limited pled guilty to failing to ensure their employees had information, instruction and training to carry out vehicle recovery work in a way that was properly planned, appropriately supervised and carried out in a safe manner.

North East & Tayside

Tyre company fined after worker died when lorry fell on him

Robert Garvock died while recovering a stolen vehicle from an embankment in 2018.

The company was fined almost £10,000 for health and safety breaches.

A Preliminary Hearing for the FAI is set for May 27, 2026, at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.  

The purpose of a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) includes determining the cause of death; the circumstances in which the death occurred, and to establish what, if any, reasonable precautions could have been taken, and could be implemented in the future, to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances.

This FAI follows the prosecution and conviction of Kairdson Tyres Limited for a breach of health and safety legislation.

Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature, and are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.

Debbie Carroll of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Scotland’s death investigation authority, said: “The death of Robert Garvock occurred while in the course of his employment and as such a Fatal Accident Inquiry is mandatory.         

“The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the Sheriff.         

 “Mr Garvock’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.” 