A 22-YEAR-OLD carpenter died after he was struck by roof trusses on a building site.

On 30 October 2019, Niall McCormack from Kettering, Northamptonshire was working for KM Carpentry Contractors Ltd installing roof trusses at a new build site at Alconbury Weald, Cambridgeshire.

Roof truss packs and a party wall spandrel panel were lifted by crane onto a pair of semi-detached properties the day before the incident – temporarily supported by timber restraints.

Niall McCormack was working with another carpenter to remove trusses from the pack, intending to spread them out and install them across the building.

As the two carpenters were in the process of spreading, the wind caught a spandrel panel, pushing it against the remaining trusses in the pack. Both the truss pack and spandrel panel fell into the work area. Niall McCormack was struck by the falling material and suffered a fatal head injury.

HSE Investigation

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that KM Carpentry had failed to identify the risk of wind loading, and the effect this could have on the stability of the spandrel panel prior to being secured in place. The method statement for the installation of the spandrel panels included lifting and placing them on the roof only after the roof trusses had been installed and permanently secured. This could not be followed as they had both been placed on the roof at the same time as the roof trusses the day before.

HSE has guidance on the roles and responsibilities for contractors who directly employ or engage construction workers or manage construction work.

On 25 April 2024, at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court, KM Carpentry Contractors Ltd, of High Street, Higham Ferrers pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act.

The Company was fined £8,000 and ordered to pay £6,974 in costs.

Niall’s Loss

A family statement said: “The whole family has been badly affected by Niall’s loss. One of his friends is going to Australia and we can’t help thinking Niall should be here and going with him.

“Niall has lost the ability to grow up and have children of his own. He won’t be getting married and all the things you do as families. He’s missed out on so much, for what, going to work? No one should go to work and not come back.”

After the hearing, HSE Inspector Jenny Morris said: “Our thoughts are with Niall’s family, a 22-year-old who was just setting out on his career in the construction industry.

“This case highlights the importance of identifying the risks associated with a work activity and ensuring a safe system of work is devised and then followed.”

The prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Samantha Wells and paralegal officer Lucy Gallagher.

>> Read about more HSE cases in the news

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