Labourer’s death ruled accident by inquest jury
THE death of a labourer who was electrocuted at work was accidental, an inquest has ruled.
Martin Tilby, of Nantymoel, was operating a lorry-assisted crane when the vehicle came into contact with overhead power cables on May 17, 2016.
Mr Tilby, who was employed by Access Scaffolding, had been directed to move some fencing panels from his company’s work yard during the day.
The driver/labourer was asked to take materials to a field adjacent to Tudor Lodge, Bonvilston, in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Cardiff Coroner’s Court heard Mr Tilby, 42, unloaded the materials in a different place to where he was asked.
Coroner Philip Spinney read out a statement on behalf of Mr Tilby’s mother, Valerie.
Ms Tilby described her son as a “good man” who did “lots of odd jobs for people.”
The jury at the inquest gave the conclusion of accidental death.
Company director Anthony Richards also praised the work of Mr Tilby.
He told the court: “He was one of my top men. The man was 110%. He wanted all the hours going.”
Mr Richards told the court he asked Mr Tilby to leave the panels in the same place in the field where previous materials had been left.
He said Mr Tilby had been at the site many times and also confirmed that a risk assessment had been carried out in the area.
According to his estimations, the lorry was parked about 40 metres away from where the other materials had been left when the incident took place.
The company director said he couldn’t understand why the lorry was parked there when Mr Tilby “knew where to go”.
Richard Davies, who also works as a driver/ labourer for the company, was with Mr Tilby on the day the tragedy took place.
He explained they parked the lorry underneath a set of power cables, and, although they were aware of their pres- ence, they thought they were clear to carry out the job. But a problem arose when they were off-loading the second batch of materials.
Mr Davies said: “I heard a noise like a shout.
“When I looked I saw Martin and there was a flashing of sparks – like an orange colour.
“I ran around and put my arms underneath him and pulled him back.
“I got him away from it (the electricity). I was in a panic.”
Mr Davies then contacted one of his bosses who called emergency services.
A medic got in touch with Mr Davies quickly and told him to perform CPR – he did so until the paramedics arrived.
Emergency services did all they could to save Mr Tilby but he later died at the scene.
DC Charmaine Kinson, of South Wales Police, confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Mr Tilby’s death.
The court heard that there were no faults found with the vehicle used or with Western Power Distribution, but the final health and safety report surrounding the incident is yet to be concluded.