Stewart humbled as he receives honour
Service is recognised
A Bridge of Allan man recognised in the New Year Honours has been presented with his OBE medal.
Dr William Stewart Arnold, who has lived in the town for the last 25 years, received the gong for his exemplary career with the Health and Safety Executive.
The 55-year-old, who was born and raised in Tillicoultry, has worked for more than 18 years as a mechanical engineering specialist inspector with the executive.
Known as Stewart, he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis a few years ago which has resulted in him working from home.
After he was presented with the OBE medal by Stirling Lord Lieutenant Alan Simpson, Stewart said: “I am thrilled, humbled and proud to receive this honour. I would like to thank my family and the HSE for their support.”
Stirling Lord Lieutenant Alan Simpson praised Stewart. He said: “Stewart has made a huge contribution to workplace safety over many years. He has encouraged industry to adopt new technologies in innovative ways.
“He has been instrumental in improving standards across the EU and has made pivotal contributions to accident investigations – identifying the underlying cause of incidents and providing explanations for families and the bereaved.”
Stewart has investigated more than 200 accidents including fatal accidents throughout Scotland during his career with the HSE.
These included the gondola collapse at Nevis Range in 2006.
He also carried out a mechanical assessment into the failure of a ‘fall arrest device’ at Earlsburn Windfarm just outside Stirling which resulted in a fatal accident involving an employee.
This led to the device being withdrawn from use and the European Design Standard being withdrawn and rewritten.