Colin Thwaites, 61, was working as an electrician at Lochaline Quartz Sand Limited in the Highlands when he was struck by the blades of a fan at the underground mine on October 21, 2024. The grandad-of-three was helping restore power after Storm Ashleigh disrupted operations at the Morvern Peninsula site.
Widow Denied Final Goodbye
His widow Caroline Thwaites told the BBC: 'I just needed to touch him, even his leg, but the police stopped me from doing that. That I wasn't allowed to do that will stay with me for the rest of my life.' A specialist recovery meant it was weeks before the family could say their final goodbyes.
Serious Safety Failings
The Health and Safety Executive found a series of 'serious failings' in how the fan was modified, commissioned, and maintained. Inspectors discovered the intake guard was in a seriously degraded condition, with significant sections of mesh missing, and evidence suggesting the damage had existed for some time. Kevin Wilson, HSE's chief inspector of mines and quarries, described Mr Thwaites' death as 'tragic and entirely preventable'.
Fine Deemed Inadequate
At Inverness Court last week, Lochaline Quartz Sand Limited was fined £150,000 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £11,250. Caroline said she was 'gobsmacked' by the leniency. 'How is that any kind of justice? It just beggars belief how lenient that was,' she said. She noted the maximum fine limit was £1.6 million and said she would have been appeased at £1 million but no lower.
Company Response
Lochaline Quartz Sand Limited accepted its role in the 'tragic accident' and extended 'sincere and heartfelt condolences' to Mr Thwaites' family and friends. A spokesperson said lessons from the incident had been considered through an HSE investigation and an internal review, and the company remained committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety.
Legal Perspective
Caroline's lawyer, Jennifer Wallace, a partner with Thompsons Solicitors Scotland, said Colin's death was 'avoidable'. She stated: 'Lochaline Quartz Sand Limited failed in its duty of care on multiple occasions, and over a period of two years there were repeated opportunities to identify and address the risks that ultimately led to his death. Those opportunities were missed.'
