A Northamptonshire carpentry contractor has been fined after a construction worker died at a new build site in Alconbury Weald in October 2019.

Niall McCormack, from Kettering, Northamptonshire, was 22 when he was working for KM Carpentry Contractors Ltd, installing roof trusses at a new build site in Alconbury Weald.

The truss packs and party wall spandrel panel had been lifted by a crane and onto a pair of semi-detached properties, temporarily supported by timer restraints.

Niall was working with another carpenter to remove the trusses from the pack to spread and install across the building.

While they were spreading, the wind caught a spandrel panel and pushed it against the remaining trusses in the pack.

Both the truss pack and the spandrel panel fell into the work area, and Niall was struck by the falling material and suffered a fatal head injury.

The Hunts Post: Niall McCormack was 22 when he tragically died.Niall McCormack was 22 when he tragically died. (Image: McCormack Family)

An investigation by The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that KM Carpentry Contractors Limited had failed to identify the risk of wind loading, and the effect this could have on the stability of the spandrel panel prior to being secured in place.

The method statement for the installation of the spandrel panels included lifting and placing them on the roof only after the roof trusses had been installed and permanently secured.

This could not be followed as they had both been placed on the roof at the same time as the roof trusses the day before.

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At Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on 25 April 2024, KM Carpentry Contractors Limited, of High Street, Higham Ferrers pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act.

The Company was fined £8,000 and ordered to pay £6,974 in costs.

A family statement said: “The whole family has been badly affected by Niall’s loss. One of his friends is going to Australia and we can’t help thinking Niall should be here and going with him.

“Niall has lost the ability to grow up and have children of his own. He won’t be getting married and all the things you do as families. He’s missed out on so much, for what, going to work. No one should go to work and not come back.”

After the hearing, HSE Inspector Jenny Morris said: “Our thoughts are with Niall’s family, a 22-year-old who was just setting out on his career in the construction industry.

“This case highlights the importance of identifying the risks associated with a work activity and ensuring a safe system of work is devised and then followed.”

Attempts have been made to approach KM Carpentry Contractors Limited for comment.