Source · Prevention of Future Deaths
Elizabeth Turnbull
Ref: 2014-0035
Date: 24 Jan 2014
Coroner: Nicola Mundy
Area: South Yorkshire (East)
Responses identified: 0 / 2
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The close proximity of thumbwheel controls, coupled with the absence of dual controls, increased the risk of inadvertently releasing locking pins for excavator attachments.
Date
24 Jan 2014
56-day deadline
21 Mar 2014 est.
Responses identified
0 of 2
Coroner's concerns
The close proximity of thumbwheel controls, coupled with the absence of dual controls, increased the risk of inadvertently releasing locking pins for excavator attachments.
View full coroner's concerns
(1) The layout of the thumbwheel controls namely one immediately above the other, the first controlling release of locking pins which secure buckets and attachments, and the second thumbwheel used to move the telescopic arm backwards and forwards.
(2) The absence of any dual controls which would both have to be activated before the pins could be released.
(3) Due to 1 and 2 above the ease at which the user could inadvertently release locking pins rather than moving the telescopic arm
(2) The absence of any dual controls which would both have to be activated before the pins could be released.
(3) Due to 1 and 2 above the ease at which the user could inadvertently release locking pins rather than moving the telescopic arm
Report sections
Investigation and inquest
On 21st June 2013 I commenced an investigation into the death of Elizabeth Joy Turnbull, age 65. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 20th January 2014. The medical cause of death was 1a Hypoxic Brain Injury (clinical), 1b Cervical spine injury with tetraplegia and multiple chest fractures, 1c Mechanical crush trauma. The short form conclusion of the Jury was accidental death.
Circumstances of the death
On the 8th June 2013 Elizabeth Joy Turnbull was helping her husband repair a stock fence when the bucket attached to the end of a telehandler being used to drive the fence posts in dislodged from the clevices and fell onto Mrs Turnbull. She died on the 15th June 2013 due to injuries sustained as a result of crush trauma.
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Remove all spikes and inward-facing constructions from perimeter and radial fences
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Limit perimeter fencing height to a maximum of 2.2 metres
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Provide sufficient 1.1-metre wide gates in perimeter fences for emergency evacuation
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Paint and mark all emergency gates in fences with "Emergency Exit
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Keep all perimeter fence gates to pitch unlocked and open during matches
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Annually inspect all crush barriers for corrosion; repair or replace as needed
Report details
- Reference
- 2014-0035
- Date of report
- 24 January 2014
- Coroner
- Nicola Mundy
- Coroner area
- South Yorkshire (East)
Responses identified
Responses identified
0 of 2
2 responses not yet linked
Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 21 Mar 2014 (estimated).
Sent to
- British Industrial Truck Association
- HM Principle Specialist Inspector