HSE says SnowDome tragedy was preventable after a 12 year old boy died. Lack of risk assessment led to a fatal crash.
Louis attended a birthday at the SnowDome. His toboggan crashed into a staff member, Joseph Dibb, who faced the other way. Dibb fell, causing fatal injuries to Louis.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the incident. They found issues with Snowdome Limited’s safety protocols, revealing the company lacked a proper risk assessment and did not consider all people on the slope.
There wasn’t a safe work system in place, and key info, training, and supervision were missing, increasing the risk of collisions. According to a ski safety expert, staff should never turn their backs on tobogganers.
Dibb was not wearing a high-vis jacket, while other marshals usually wear them during slope walks. The HSE stated SnowDome failed to protect customers, including Louis, during tobogganing.
SnowDome broke health and safety laws. After the death, SnowDome Limited was fined £100,000 at Telford Magistrates’ Court. Louis should have returned home safely.
The HSE lawyer, Nathan Cook, said the death was preventable. He suggested better safety measures for tobogganing, emphasizing venues must assess and control risks carefully.
Assessing risk is vital for everyone’s safety. The HSE offers guidance on needed steps. This guidance applies to various workplaces, including indoor ski slopes and factories.
Risks to people from equipment must be considered, and visitor and staff movement matters too. The company’s guilty plea reduced the fine, which was originally £150,000. SnowDome also paid HSE costs.