Machine operator, 61, died in horror accident after neck and arm became stuck in log-cutter, inquiry finds
A 61-year-old machine operator died after his clothing became entangled in a log-cutting machine at a farm in Perthshire, a fatal accident inquiry has found.
Andrew Sinclair suffered fatal injuries whilst working at Brae of Murthly, Pitilie Farm in September 2022.
The incident occurred when his right arm became trapped after his clothing got caught in the moving parts of the device.
Sinclair was employed by DK Logs at the time of the incident.
A fatal accident inquiry at Dundee Sheriff Court heard details of the tragic event.
The cause of death was recorded as blunt force arm and neck injuries, along with entrapment by the machinery.
Sheriff Timothy Niven Smith ruled that Sinclair had wrongly jammed the machine’s controls, which caused it to continue operating when he became caught.
“The transverse conveyor will only operate if the control lever is in the forward position, it would have been impossible for Sinclair to have operated that lever whilst standing at the log deck,” Sheriff Smith said.
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“I cannot speculate why Sinclair ‘jammed’ the hold to run controls and left the control panel.”
“I can only conclude based on the evidence that Sinclair did do that.”
The inquiry heard that co-workers rushed to Sinclair’s aid after discovering him caught in the machinery.
Sheriff Smith determined that Sinclair had failed to follow the proper operating procedures for the log-cutting machine.