Reversing vehicle killed worker in blind spot

Prosecutions and Claims |
04.04.2008

A refuse vehicle driver who relied on the rear-view camera in his cab ran over and killed a colleague. David Cassidy reversed over Stephen Welsh while Welsh was in the camera's blind spot behind the vehicle.

The men worked for East Dunbartonshire Council and were collecting household refuse for recycling in Torrance, near Glasgow, on 23 January 2007 when the incident happened. Welsh was throwing refuse sacks into the back of the vehicle when Cassidy began to reverse. It is not clear whether Welsh slipped on the icy road or was hit by the lorry. The pair had worked together for two years.

At Glasgow Sherriff Court, Cassidy admitted he hadn't taken sufficient  measures to check there was no one in the blind spot left by the lorry's mirrors and closed circuit TV system. He pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention and was fined £500 and had eight penalty points added to his licence.