A tragic incident unfolded at GNH Agri Ltd in Meithrinfa, Aberdesach, near Caernarfon, leading to the untimely death of mechanic Warren Hayles. The court learned that Mr. Hayles met his demise when a golf buggy fell on him in his workshop, with fatal consequences. The accident occurred as Mr. Hayles was working alone, having elevated the buggy too high for servicing, causing it to topple and crush him. The lack of proper supervision and safety protocols during the Covid-19 pandemic were highlighted as contributing factors in the court case at Mold Crown Court.
The prosecution argued that GNH Agri, Mr. Hayles’ employer, failed in its duty towards its employee by providing inadequate supervision and a deficient system of working. The court heard that Mr. Hayles, a competent mechanic, had received training on working with golf buggies from the company director. However, on the day of the incident, he was using a stacker lift to raise the buggy for maintenance, a task for which the risk assessment was deemed wholly insufficient. The lack of proper supervision and safety guidelines led to the tragic accident, with Mr. Hayles succumbing to his injuries despite efforts to save him.
The bereaved family members of Mr. Hayles expressed their devastation and sorrow at his passing, with his mother, Beryl Hayles, describing the loss of her son as utterly heartbreaking. His widow shared poignant memories of their last moments together, underscoring the profound impact of the tragedy on their lives. In a public statement, GNH Agri expressed deep regret and issued a public apology over the incident, acknowledging the loss of a valued employee whose life was deemed priceless.
The court proceedings revealed that Mr. Hayles had not been adequately trained to lift the golf buggy at an overhead height and that the operation lacked necessary safety measures. The judge condemned the lack of supervision and safety precautions, deeming the incident an “accident waiting to happen.” Despite the company’s efforts to enhance safety standards following the tragic event, Judge Her Honour Nicola Jones emphasised the grave consequences of inadequate supervision and risk assessment in the workplace.
GNH Agri, a small firm managing a fleet of golf buggies for hire and sale, faced repercussions for the lapses that led to Mr. Hayles’ death. The judge imposed a fine and costs on the company, emphasising the seriousness of the breach in duty towards its employees. While the company expressed remorse and pledged to improve safety standards, the court underscored the importance of stringent supervision and risk assessment in preventing workplace accidents. The tragedy served as a poignant reminder of the critical need for adequate safety measures and proper supervision to protect workers from harm.