A tragic incident has led to a coroner’s warning about a risky practice among road workers.
- Thomas McAuley’s death highlights the dangers of urinating between LGV axles.
- Coroner Brendan Allan’s report urges increased industry awareness and precautionary measures.
- The Health and Safety Executive is reviewing preventive recommendations from the coroner.
- Road safety practices need urgent reevaluation to prevent future tragedies.
In July 2022, Thomas McAuley, working with a six-person crew for Kiely Brothers Ltd, tragically lost his life on a road resurfacing site in Ferndown, Dorset. He was situated between the third and fourth axles of a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) when the driver, unaware of McAuley’s position, moved the lorry slightly forward, resulting in catastrophic injuries that proved fatal.
Coroner Brendan Allan reported that it is a common practice for road workers to urinate between the rear axles of HGVs, even when a welfare van is present. This practice poses a serious safety risk, as demonstrated by McAuley’s unfortunate death. The coroner highlighted the lack of widespread industry change following the incident, indicating potential continued risk.
A prevention of future deaths report was sent to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), emphasising the necessity for companies engaged in road work to be made acutely aware of this hazard. Coroner Allan pointed out that any minor movement of such vehicles can be fatal if the risky practice persists.
The HSE has acknowledged receipt of the report and is currently assessing its contents. A spokesperson for the HSE reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the industry to enhance safety standards, underscoring the ongoing risk if proper awareness and procedural changes are not adopted.
The incident underscores an urgent need for the reassessment of road safety practices to prevent future incidents. The industry is called upon to rectify this oversight by implementing effective safety measures.
Without prompt action, the risk of similar fatal incidents remains high and needs urgent attention.
