Crown Censure issued following soldier’s fatal accident: Working on Slopes reminder
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued the Ministry of Defence (MoD) with a Crown Censure on Thursday, 3 October, following the death of a reservist soldier in Yorkshire. Staff Sergeant John McKelvie, from Drongan in Ayr, tragically lost his life after the Jackal vehicle he was driving rolled multiple times down a steep hill at the Catterick Training Area on 29 January 2019.
At the time of the incident, the 51-year-old was participating in Jackal driver training with five other Army reservists. The off-road training involved navigating steep inclines and descents on terrain known as ‘The Land of Nod’. While attempting one of the ascents, the Jackal lost traction and rolled backwards, throwing one of the course leaders from the vehicle. Staff Sergeant McKelvie remained inside and sustained severe injuries as the vehicle rolled. Although he was airlifted to the hospital, he passed away six days later.
An investigation by the HSE revealed that the training course involved hazardous activities, which created a risk of vehicle rollovers. While this exposed participants to danger, it did not mean the activity itself should have been avoided. Instead, additional safety measures should have been in place to mitigate the risks associated with operating the vehicles, but these steps were not taken.
The investigation also highlighted a lack of oversight, as the course progressed too quickly, preventing trainees from gaining the necessary skills and experience before facing more challenging off-road obstacles.
The risk assessments were deemed inadequate, and despite several prior "rollover incidents," the Army failed to anticipate what could go wrong.
It was also found that standing orders and procedures were not properly followed.
HSE inspector Mark Slater stated: "All training, including that which aims to be as realistic as possible, must be carefully planned, risk assessed, and carried out in a way that does not endanger participants.
"Had the Army's systems been more robust, Sergeant McKelvie would likely still be with us today."
This HSE Crown Censure was led by HSE enforcement lawyer Nathan Cook, with support from HSE paralegal officer Rebecca Forman.
Working on slopes guidance reminder
Considering this incident, there are significant lessons to be learned regarding the safe operation of vehicles and equipment on slopes and uneven terrain. To address these hazards, the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) developed a comprehensive Slopes Code of Practice. This guidance is designed not only for landscaping professionals but for any industry or organisation working in environments with sloped or challenging terrain. The guidance provides clear, practical advice on risk assessment, planning, and best practices to ensure safety when working on gradients, including specific measures for vehicle operations, equipment handling, and worker positioning.
The Slopes Code of Practice underscores the importance of proactive risk management, emphasising the need for thorough ground assessments, tailored safety protocols, and regular training to avoid accidents like the one that tragically claimed Staff Sergeant McKelvie's life. By following these guidelines, industries can significantly reduce the risks associated with working on inclines and ensure safer working environments for all.
For more information and to access this valuable guidance, visit the following link: BALI Slopes Guidance. This resource is essential reading for landscaping professionals seeking to enhance safety and operational standards in sloped environments.
