An indoor ski slope has been issued a hefty fine of £100,000 following the tragic death of a 12-year-old boy at the SnowDome in Tamworth, Staffordshire. Louis Watkiss sustained fatal injuries during an evening out with friends at a tobogganing birthday celebration. The young boy, hailing from Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, was descending the main slope on a toboggan when he collided with a member of staff who was conducting a ‘slope walk.’ The employee fell backwards onto Louis, resulting in serious head injuries that led to his untimely death on September 24, 2021. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) brought charges against Snowdome Limited, accusing the company of breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
During the court proceedings at Telford Magistrates’ Court, Snowdome Limited was fined £100,000 and instructed to cover costs amounting to £14,534. The HSE highlighted that the facility had neglected to ensure the safety of its customers during tobogganing activities. It was revealed that the SnowDome lacked a comprehensive risk assessment and had failed to account for all individuals likely to be present on the slope at that time. This absence of proper safety protocols meant there was no effective system in place to manage the risk of collisions between toboggans and pedestrians. Nathan Cook, a senior enforcement lawyer at HSE, emphasised that Louis’ tragic death could have been prevented had Snowdome Limited adequately assessed and controlled the associated risks. Cook stressed the importance of venues and employers implementing thorough risk assessments and providing employees with appropriate safety measures and training to prevent such incidents from occurring.
Louis’ family expressed deep sorrow at the loss of their beloved son, describing him as their “love, pride and joy.” They painted a picture of Louis as a talented musician with a passion for sports, music, and a thirst for knowledge. Despite the devastating outcome, they chose to celebrate Louis’ life and cherish the memories of his vibrant personality. Snowdome Limited, represented by Martin Smith, the chairman, extended heartfelt condolences to Louis’ family, expressing shock and sympathy for the tragic event. The company acknowledged the severity of the incident and offered thoughts and prayers to the grieving family in their time of sorrow.
Following the guilty plea, Snowdome Limited, based in Tamworth, admitted to violating Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The court ruling serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of maintaining stringent safety measures in all public facilities to safeguard the well-being of visitors and employees alike. The tragic loss of Louis Watkiss serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from lapses in safety protocols. The lessons learned from this unfortunate incident underscore the significance of prioritising safety assessments and ensuring comprehensive safety mechanisms are in place to protect individuals in recreational settings.
In the wake of this heartbreaking event, the community mourns the loss of a bright young life and comes together to support Louis’ family through this challenging time. The repercussions of this tragedy extend beyond the walls of the SnowDome, prompting a collective reflection on the importance of prioritising safety and vigilance in all public spaces. As the investigation continues and legal procedures unfold, the memory of Louis Watkiss serves as a poignant call to action for businesses and venues nationwide to uphold stringent safety standards, ensuring the well-being of all individuals who pass through their doors.