UK Industrial Door Firm Fined £165,000 for Death of Employee

In 2018, 33-year-old father of three Mark Mathers was fatally injured while repairing an industrial roller door in Aberdeen. The court case concluded earlier this month, with Patrick Forman Industrial Doors, the company Mr Mathers worked for, being fined £165,000 for safety failures leading to his death.

The tragic loss of Mr Mathers is a reminder of how important safe industrial door practices are. The incident has prompted many in our industry, including us at Quay Facilities, to strengthen our safety procedures across the board.

Read on for a timeline of the events and to learn how the industry responded in the aftermath.

How the Incident Unfolded

On 15th September 2018, Mr Mathers was fatally injured when his hoodie got caught in the balancing system of the sectional door he was repairing. Although a colleague managed to cut him free and call for help, he was rushed to the hospital and spent three days in intensive care before life support was removed.

What the Court Ruled

Patrick Forman Industrial Doors was fined £165,000 in July 2024 after Aberdeen Sheriff Court found the company negligent. The court determined that the company had failed to properly assess the dangers of door torsion springs, didn't maintain safe working practices, and neglected to provide adequate training and supervision for its staff.

How the DHF Responded

Following the incident, the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) strongly urged industry companies to implement strict safety measures. Nick Perkins, DHF's Senior Training & Compliance Officer, highlighted the necessity of releasing all tension from door springs before starting any work. He also stressed the need for proper tools, safe working practices, and appropriate protective gear, as well as providing safe access to the work area.

Quay Facilities' Commitment to Safety

The safety of our employees and customers is our top priority. In light of this tragic incident, we're taking proactive steps to reinforce our commitment to safety. This includes providing our engineers with additional training on:

• Identifying potential risks and creating safe work plans through Risk Assessment and Method Statements (RAMS).
• Correctly using specialised tools like tensioning bars.
• Wearing essential protective gear and appropriate clothing.
• Safely handling springs, with a focus on methodical tension release and clear work area access.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mr Mathers and remain committed to creating a safer workplace for everyone.