Loved Ones Instruct Workplace Accident Lawyers to Help Secure Answers

The widow of a Cheshire landscape gardener killed at work has spoken out after an inquest into his death concluded.

Blair Campbell was cutting hedges at a house in Mobberley when he was electrocuted after coming into contact with live electricity wires on a pole-mounted substation maintained by SP Energy Networks.

The dad-of-two died shortly afterwards, aged 35.

Following Blair’s death, which was reported to the Health and Safety Executive, his wife Tina instructed specialist workplace accident lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help them obtain answers at an inquest last month.

Hearing finds dad was unaware of dangers

The hearing, which took place from 21 to 23 October, concluded that the pole structure of the substation had been covered in dense ivy at the time. The jury stated that this had obscured parts of the substation, completely covered required warning signs and that Blair was unaware of the dangers.

It was also noted by the jury that, prior to Blair’s death, numerous reports had been made about a need to remove the ivy which were not acted on.

Company makes changes to policy following death

SP Energy Networks have now made changes to their health and safety policy following the tragic incident.

Steve Hill is a legal director at Irwin Mitchell representing Tina.

Expert Opinion

“Understandably, coming to terms with losing Blair at such a young age has been incredibly difficult for Tina who continues to struggle with his sudden and tragic death.

“She’s also understandably had a number of questions and concerns over what happened to Blair, and while nothing will make up for her loss, we’re pleased to have at least been able to provide Tina with some of the answers she deserved.” Steve Hill

Workplace accident: Tina pays tribute to 'soul mate' Blair

Blair had been a landscape gardener for just under two years.  He was self-employed at the time of his death.

Tina said after the hearing: “Blair was my soul mate.  We met while I was in New Zealand and he decided to move to the UK to be with me.  After that, we were inseparable and couldn’t wait to spend our future together.

“I’ll never forget the feeling when I was told that he had died.  He’d gone off to work as normal and said it was only a half day so I didn’t expect it was a big job.

“So when I was told that Blair had had an accident, I remember thinking he would be okay as he was so fit and healthy.

“But then I found out how serious it was and he’d been airlifted.  My heart sank when I was taken into the relatives room at the hospital, and it was completely shattered when the doctor told me Blair had died.

“To this day, I still wake up hoping that it’s all been a terrible nightmare.  It’s been extremely tough hearing everything again at the inquest but I know I needed to get answers so I could honour Blair’s memory.”

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