Landscape gardener's death could have been avoided, says sheriff

A sheriff says the death of a landscape gardener, who was struck by a two-metre long section of tree trunk, was avoidable.

Andrew Pirie, 53, died on 25 June 2020 just outside Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, from injuries sustained during tree-felling work.

Following a fatal accident inquiry (FAI), Sheriff Andrew Miller said in his determination that a drop zone should have been clearly identified, physically marked, and properly supervised.

Miller recommended that the Arboricultural Association increase industry awareness of its code of practice for tree work at height.

The sheriff said the absence of these measures, coupled with a lack of reliable communication between the climber and ground crew and safer methods used to control falling timber, contributed to Pirie’s death.

He said limiting the size of the timber and using ropes or pulleys to lower the pieces could also have reduced the risk to workers on the ground.

Miller extended the court’s condolences to Pirie’s family, who he said have suffered his loss in these most tragic and unfortunate circumstances.