A tragic death occurred due to neglected safety measures at a Glasgow construction site.
- Derek Caddie lost his life after excavation wall collapse in November 2019.
- Health & Safety Executive (HSE) cited lack of wall support as the cause.
- Carrig Construction Services Limited admitted to breaches of safety laws.
- Company received a £75,000 fine by Glasgow Sheriff Court in August 2024.
On 25th November 2019, 44-year-old Derek Caddie tragically succumbed to injuries sustained in a construction site accident in Glasgow. While working in an excavation, Mr Caddie was engulfed by collapsing soil, trapping him from the neck down. Despite swift rescue efforts, his injuries ultimately proved fatal, leading to his death three days later in a hospital.
The construction, managed by Carrig Construction Services Limited, was underway at Belhaven Terrace West Lane, a location designated for new housing developments. At the time of the incident, Mr Caddie was tasked with repairing damaged and leaking pipes within the trench, alongside a colleague who fortunately remained unharmed.
Following an investigation by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), it was revealed that the excavation lacked adequate structural support, directly contributing to the wall collapse. The investigation further highlighted Carrig Construction Services Limited’s failure to implement critical safety measures, which should have safeguarded workers from such risks. Notably, employees working under the company’s supervision had not received formal training regarding excavation safety, leaving them unaware of the potential hazards.
In response to the incident, Carrig Construction Services Limited, based in Lochwinnoch, Argyll, acknowledged its breach of health and safety regulations. The company pleaded guilty to contravening Section 2(1) and Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Subsequently, a £75,000 fine was imposed on the company by Glasgow Sheriff Court on 28th August 2024.
Graeme McMinn, HSE principal inspector, underscored the preventable nature of the tragedy, stating, “This was a tragic and wholly avoidable accident, caused by the failure of Carrig Construction Services Limited to put in place measures to control the risk of the sides of the excavation collapsing.”
This incident underscores the critical importance of stringent safety measures in construction environments.
