Bob McArthur could have survived work accident in Berwickshire with seatbelt, FAI rules

A man who died after being thrown from a platform which subsequently landed on him could have survived had he been wearing a seatbelt, a judge has ruled.

Bob McArthur was operating a mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) on a slope near an Electricity Substation in Longformacu, Berwickshire, in January 2021 when it tipped over.

The impact from the toppling caused him to be tossed from the vehicle, which subsequently landed on him.

Emergency services were called to the scene but the 32-year-old could not be saved after suffering a serious head injury.

McArthur, who had been employed as a charge hand linesman for 13 years, had been working on a new electricity line at the time and was found to have deviated from the suggested route.

The accident occurred at an electricity line near Whitchester House, near Longformacus. © Google Maps 2024

A fatal accident inquiry at Jedburgh Sheriff Court ruled that the events leading to his death could have been prevented had McArthur been wearing a seatbelt and not changed the route.

Sheriff Peter Paterson ruled that no faults in working practices contributed to the incident and could only refer to “speculation” as to why McArthur had strayed from the route.

In a written judgment, he said: “There are two precautions which could reasonably have been taken which might realistically have resulted in the death, and the accident that resulted in the death, being avoided, namely the wearing of the seat belt and adherence to the approved access route.

“Another factor which has to be borne in mind is Mr McArthur’s character. By common consent he was a conscientious employee.

“It appears by nature Mr McArthur was someone who wished always to ‘get on’ with things.

“Ultimately, the conclusion I have reached is that it can only be a matter of speculation why Mr McArthur deviated from the approved route.”

Following his death, friends and colleagues launched a GoFundMe which went on to raise £30,282.

The page read: “Bob was an enthusiastic, hardworking young man who was always full of life, laughter and fun.

“He truly brought joy to all of those who were lucky enough to work with him and was a dear friend to many within our overhead line fraternity.

“Bob was passionate about football and an avid Rangers supporter waiting patiently for their next big win. Bob will be greatly missed.”