Kairdson Tyres Limited fined £10,000 after employee's death revealed health and safety breaches

An Aberdeenshire tyre company has been fined almost £10,000 for health and safety breaches which came to light following the death of an employee.

Robert Garvock a senior recovery operator with Kairdson Tyres Limited based in Ellon, died while recovering a stolen vehicle from an embankment in 2018.

The procurator fiscal told Aberdeen Sheriff Court that the fatal incident happened at the B999 Pitmedden to Potterton road on October 27 amid rain and high winds.

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.

The company also failed to ensure a suitable and sufficient risk assessment was carried out and provide a wind measuring device crucial to the safe use of the hydraulic crane in vehicle recovery work.

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

Following the conclusion of the criminal proceedings the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) will begin the process for a mandatory Fatal Accident Inquiry to examine the full circumstances surrounding Robert Garvock’s death, identify the learning and help to avoid such incidents happening in the future.

Mr Garvock’s family have been informed of the decision to hold a Fatal Accident Inquiry and they will continue to be updated on any significant developments.

Speaking after the sentencing, Debbie Carroll, who leads on health and safety investigations for the COPFS, said: “By failing to have suitable measures in place Kairdson Tyres Limited put their employees at unacceptable risk of serious injury or death.

“This prosecution should remind employers that they have a duty to take all reasonable health and safety measures to protect their employees and that they will be held accountable for any failure to do so.”