Thursday 28 March 2024
 6.8°C   ENE Gentle Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

News / Yell firm in court over fatality

A SHETLAND haulage company has been charged with breaching health and safety regulations following the death of a lorry driver almost four years ago.

Geoffrey Davies, aged 57, of Scraefield, Balliasta, Unst, was crushed by a forklift truck as he was unloading it from a lorry at a local mussel factory on Saturday 13 February 2010.

Police and health and safety executive officers flew to Shetland to investigate the incident, which took place at Ordale, near Baltasound, Unst.

On Thursday lawyers appeared at lerwick Sheriff Court on behalf of the victim’s employers RS Henderson, of Cullivoe, Yell, who deny two charges.

The family firm denies failing to make a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for the lorry driver making the delivery between 9 and 13 February 2010.

They also deny failing to ensure their health, safety and welfare of their employees on the same dates at Henderson’s premises at Cullivoe, at the premises of RE Watt, on Lerwick’s Gremista industrial estate and elsewhere on the same dates.

Specifically the company is accused of failing to provide and maintain a safe system for loading and unloading a forklift truck on and off a lorry, or providing information, instruction or training for such a task.

The charge says that the forklift truck was driven down lorry ramps that were too steep and slippery for it to maintain sufficient traction, so it toppled over and crushed the lorry driver who died from his injuries.

The case was deferred until 27 November for legal arguments to be heard, after which a trial date will be set.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 
Categories

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.