Worker crushed at Eshiels depot

Published 11 Jun 2010 14:41 0 Comments

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A SAFETY investigation has been launched after a worker was crushed at the council's new Eshiels roads depot.

The £4 million facility was officially opened last week.

But on Tuesday morning a 55-year-old worker was seriously injured at the depot when, it is believed, he was crushed by a skip that had slipped from a vehicle.

Investigators from the Health and Safety Executive are now probing the circumstances behind the accident.

And the local authority is also conducting its own internal inquiry.

Ray Beard, Head of Environmental Services at Scottish Borders Council, told the Peeblesshire News: "A Scottish Borders Council operative was involved in an incident at Eshiels depot on Tuesday morning.

"The operative sustained some injuries and was taken to the Borders General Hospital. This matter is being investigated by Scottish Borders Council and the Health and Safety Executive have been informed.

"The condition of the operative involved has improved since Tuesday."

A spokeswoman for the Health and Safety Executive added: "HSE is aware of the incident and is making initial inquiries".

Fellow workers at the Eshiels depot called for the emergency services as they comforted the man who suffered chest injuries.

But before a paramedic team arrived the injured man was taken by his colleagues to Hay Lodge Hospital.

An ambulance spokesman explained that the Peebles crew were already attending another life-threatening incident when the call was made.And that a paramedic crew had to be brought from nearby Barony Castle.

The injured man was later transferred by ambulance to Borders General Hospital where latest reports suggest his condition is improving.

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