Müller factory engineer, 24, crushed to death while trying to repair lift
28.11.2023 - 10:28
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
A lift maintenance company was hit with a six-figure fine after an employee was crushed to death while working at a Müller Yogurt factory. Lewis McFarlin, 24, died in the tragic incident at the Market Drayton factory in north Shropshire in January 2020.
Following his death, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched an investigation, which concluded yesterday. Lewis worked for Staffordshire firm Lift Monitoring Systems Limited, formerly RJ Lift Services Limited, at the time of his death.
He was on site with two other engineers, working on a different elevator before being asked to repair an issue with the door opening mechanism on a separate goods lift, the Mirror reports.
Lewis was on top of the lift, which was in 'inspection' mode - allowing him to control the machine from above and assist his colleague inside. During the course of their work, the elevator unexpectedly shifted to 'normal' mode while Lewis was still on top of the carriage.
HSE investigators found that this caused the lift to move at regular speed and trap Lewis in a void between the carriage and part of the lift shaft. His fellow engineers tried to release him but were unable to and he had died before emergency services arrived.
The HSE probe ruled that there was a failure to cover the void and, had it been sheeted, he would not have passed away. Müller Yogurt has not been prosecuted by HSE.
Mr McFarlin’s mum, Leah Salt, said: “Hearing all the evidence has been extremely difficult. Hearing how Lewis’ death was easily and reasonably preventable, is heartbreaking. No one should go to work and not return.
"As a family, losing our lovely Lewis and his future, has had a massive impact on all of our lives. Nothing can bring my son home, however, if future