A haulage firm has been fined almost £242,000 for failures that led to the death of a Scots grandad.
George Moran, also known as Dode, from Arbroath, died in the horror crash involving a lorry on the A92 in Tayside on Saturday, August 22, 2020. The grandfather was pronounced dead at the scene after his Kia Picanto collided with the HGV near Kinnaber.
Mr Moran’s wife, Pamela, was rushed to hospital with serious injuries. It was found that the collision took place after a mooring buoy, whichColin Lawson Transport Limited (CLT) had been transporting, became loose and fell from the lorry.
This caused Mr Moran, 53, to take evasive action before the bouy struck and damaged his car, causing his death and severe injuries, permanent disfigurement, and permanent impairment to wife Pamela. In a separate incident four months later, on the A92 between Montrose and Stonehaven, near to Johnshaven, an inadequately secured load shifted when the CLT lorry transporting it clipped a kerb, causing the vehicle to become unstable and turn onto its nearside, causing damage to a wall.
In a major investigation into the firm, conducted by Police Scotland, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Health and Safety Executive, it was found that CLT had failed to conduct a proper assessment of the risks connected with the transportation of loads. They also failed to create and put into effect suitable arrangements or provide adequate information, instruction and training to employees in relation to the proper securing of loads being transported on their vehicles.
The firm was fined a total of £241,875 after admitting it had failed to ensure loads they were transporting were properly secured and did not pose a risk to public between August 22 and December 18, 2020.
Speaking after the sentencing, Debbie Carroll, who leads on health and safety investigations for the COPFS, said: “George Moran lost his life, and his wife was severely injured in circumstances which could have been avoided had the risks been recognised and simple plans put in place. By failing to do so Colin Lawson Transport Limited put the public’s health and safety at risk.
“The prosecution and the sentence serve to highlight that a failure to ensure the proper securing of loads for transport can have tragic consequences and those responsible will be held to account for their failings. Our thoughts are with the Moran family at this difficult time.”
Mr Moran was described as a “one in a million” grandfather at the time of his death. Daughter Lisa-Marie Moran shared a picture of her dad on the “last family day together”.
She said: “Dad with his youngest grandchild bloody love the pic him getting a fly dig from gracie girl…last family day together.” In a series of posts, Kirsty Leigh Moran wrote: “Absolutely devastated love ya unc” and “Hard times in life shows how amazing your friends are! Love yous all.”
Jay Dolan also paid tribute to his father, writing: “So much love for you Dad xxx”. Others described popular George as an “absolute gentleman”.
Martin Walker commented: “Great guy, will be sadly missed.” Nicola McCafferty wrote: “RIP George you will be sadly missed, you were one in a million guy.”
And John Jack said: “Most genuine guy I’ve ever met, absolute legend and gentleman. Thoughts are with the family at this hard time. Absolutely devastating news, I can’t believe it. What a gentleman and an absolute legend. R.i.p Dode Moran.”
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