Farmer Roy Kelso has been fined a total of £17,500 after pleading guilty at Dungannon Crown Court to two breaches of Health and Safety Legislation. The case was brought by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSE NI).
The case relates to an incident that occurred on 30 April 2008 on a farm at Sandholes, Cookstown, County Tyrone. Ms Imelda Hagan, an elderly lady who resided in a farmhouse, died as a result of injuries sustained when a Manitou telescopic handler operated by Mr Kelso struck Ms Hagan during a reversing manoeuvre. Subsequent enquiries by the HSE NI revealed that Mr Kelso had not ensured that there were adequate devices such as mirrors fitted to the telescopic handler to ensure all round visibility when operating the vehicle.
Consequently, Mr Kelso pleaded guilty to charges for failing to ensure the safety of members of the public and for not having all round visibility when operating the telescopic handler.
After the hearing, Mr Brian Pryce, investigating inspector with the HSE NI said, "It is vital that all farmers who operate telescopic handlers have received adequate training for the operation of the vehicle and that all devices such as mirrors are fitted to ensure they have all round visibility when operating the vehicle. Ensuring that mirrors are fitted and correctly set must be part of the routine maintenance of the vehicle.
