A Dumfries-based company has been fined after a worker was crushed to death by a hydraulic ramp on Christmas Eve in 2014.

J. & J. Currie Limited of Lockerbie Road, Dumfries, pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 3(1) and Section 33(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £45,000.

Ayr Sheriff Court heard how the company was delivering and offloading a vehicle from a trailer at Arnimean, Galloway Forest.

After one of the trailer hydraulic ramps failed to lower, Andrew Adams, 61, attempted to carry out a repair. He removed a hoseburst valve, resulting in a catastrophic release of hydraulic pressure.

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The ratchet strap, which was used to secure the ramp, failed and the ramp collapsed on top of him. As a result, Mr Adams died from severe crush injuries.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found there was no effective planning, a failure to realise the repair was more complex than initially thought, and the risks were higher than was envisaged.

In addition, neither Mr Andrews nor the Delivery Driver had the required competence to undertake the hydraulic repair. The method of securing the upright ramp was unsuitable due to the condition of the strap.

HSE inspector Jane Scott said: "This tragic loss of life could have been avoided and highlights the risks associated with maintenance and repair, and the need for those undertaking work to be competent, ensuring work is planned, and the risks are fully understood and managed."

(LM)