Worker’s death on Queensferry Crossing ‘was freak accident’

A construction worker fatally injured on the Queensferry Crossing may have died as a result of a “freak accident”.

A fatal accident inquiry at Stirling Sheriff Court, was told John Cousin, 62, from Northumberland, died from a chest injury after being struck by a crane boom extension last April.

At the time Mr Cousin was employed by Galliford Try Employment Ltd and had been seconded to work for the Forth Cross- ing Bridge Constructors (FCBC) as a foreman.

The inquiry heard the crane – which had been leased to FCBC by GGR Group – was out of action.

The accident happened after GGR fitter Stewart Clark had been brought out to help fix it and was working alongside Mr Cousin.

The court was told the extension to the crane’s boom – the fly jib – was secured by two metal pins.

During the second day the inquiry heard from Detective Sergeant Robert Williamson, 45, from Police Scotland. He read from a report based on statements taken from witnesses, including site engineer with responsibility for health and safety, Fraser McIntyre.

Mr McIntyre recalled hearing “screams and shouts”. The report continued: “I could see one of the pins for the fly jib hanging free and the other was lying on the ground. It seemed like a bit of a freak accident because both pins should not have been removed.”

Retired workshop manager Mr Mackenzie, 67, later gave evidence.

Asked how he would describe him as a worker, he replied “first class”. Asked whether he was someone who took shortcuts in relation to health and safety, he replied “no, never”.

The inquiry before Sheriff William Gilchrist continues.

John Cousin