Karl Doran
PFD Report
Historic (No Identified Response)
Ref: 2013-0328
Coroner's Concerns (AI summary)
The theme park failed to conduct appropriate risk assessments for volunteers, and there was a complete absence of direct or indirect managerial supervision over their activities.
View full coroner's concerns
In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report t0 you (1) Beamish had not carried out a appropriate risk assessments t0 ensure the safety of volunteers such as Karl and his father when engaging in activities around the museum site. There was no direct or in-direct managerial supervision of these volunteers activities.
Sent To
- HSE
Response Status
Linked responses
0 of 2
56-Day Deadline
20 Apr 2014
About PFD responses
Organisations named in PFD reports must respond within 56 days explaining what actions they are taking.
Source: Courts and Tribunals Judiciary
Report Sections
Investigation and Inquest
On July 2012 commenced an investigation into the death of Karl Doran aged 7 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 2nd December 2013. The conclusion of the inquest was Accidental Death
Circumstances of the Death
The deceased was a seven year old who together with his father, were volunteers at Beamish Museum in County Durham; drove a steam roller around the Museum's roads and was accompanied by his son, who at various times on the in question rode on the sleam rollerlat the back of the steam rollerlstanding on an "A" frame linking Ihe steam roller to a trailerlsitting on said "A" frame. Both father and son had been engaged in similar activities at Beamish on a number of occasions in the past; though this was the first occasion when they had used this combination of steam roller and trailer. There was no clear witness evidence as to where Karl was immediately prior to him and almost immediately thereafter being crushed by the steel wheeled trailer Karl's death would have been almost instantaneous
Action Should Be Taken
In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and believe you and your organisation have the power to take such action. Action should be taken by Beamish to carry out a full and detailed risk assessment of all aspects of the use of steam powered vehicles in the museum to ensure the safety of staff, volunteers and the public and to exercise proper managerial control over such people to ensure their safety_ HSE gave evidence Ihat there is little specific guidance on the issue, though comparable equivalent advice can be gleaned from the use of agricultural machinery, though the National Traction Engine Trust does give guidance and assistance t0 members and 26th boy; day falling heavy others with regard t0 the safe use of traction engines: HSE accepted in evidence that it has an educational role in health and safety matters and should disseminate the lessons learnt from this case t0 as wide a possible audience as is possible who might benefit from it, including; but not exclusively, the National Traction Engine Trust:
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Data sourced from Courts and Tribunals Judiciary under the Open Government Licence.