The John Lawley Seminar
23 September 2010
From cradle to grave - The accident
investigation process.
The Midland Branch held a seminar in memory of the late John Lawley
on the 23 September 2010. John was life president of the
branch and was a dear friend to many. He had been a member of IOSH
since its early days of inception. John’s contribution to the field
of health and safety in general and construction specifically was
immense.
The seminar held at the Bescot stadium,
Walsall and was attended by 100 delegates. It provided an
opportunity to hear speakers from organisations involved at each
stage of an investigation following a serious incident. The
presentations were based around a real event, the collapse of
scaffolding in a Birmingham street in 2006.
Extensive information from the investigation
and court case was used to make the incident as realistic as
possible. No-one was hurt in the original event, but the scenario
created for the day included a fatality. This enabled the
wider exploration of investigation techniques.
Members became involved, and heard from the
various agencies that would participate in a serious accident
investigation. All aspects leading to the incident, the
subsequent investigation and prosecution where questioned
Steve Moore and Bob Turner of Lyndon
Scaffolding gave a thorough presentation which included a one third
size recreation of a section of the scaffold involved in the
incident. They described the deficiencies and errors made by
the original scaffolding company. This included inadequate
means to secure the scaffolding and a lack of testing or
inspection. As well as the effect of the wind on sheeting that
covered the sides that lead to the collapse.
Detective Inspector Dave Williams from West
Mercia Police gave an account of their response to a workplace
death. The investigation process which included interviews of
witnesses and potential suspects was followed. The process
followed the investigation up to the point where police
hand a portfolio of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service; or
the scene is handed over to the HSE.
HSE Inspector Paul Cooper gave an account of
how the HSE would conduct their investigation and the powers and
techniques used to gather evidence. The first half of the
presentation dealt with investigation in general terms. The
second part included the findings from the HSE’s investigation into
the day’s case study.
Finally Heath Thomas of Anthony Collins
Solicitors reviewed the offences. He highlighted the role of
Solicitors in supporting clients, including the interview process
as well as making representations before the courts.
IOSH Midland Branch Chairman, Ralph Weaver
said, “The event was a fitting tribute to the memory of John
Lawley. The day was a tremendous success and one that John
would have enjoyed. Members participated with questions and
feedback throughout. The Midland Branch would like to thank
all those who were involved in the development and presentation of
this seminar.
Many people were unable to book places as the
venue’s capacity was quickly filled. Plans are being developed for
another seminar in 2011”.
For further details on this event please email
Ralph
Weaver the Midland Branch chair.
Presentations from the day:
