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A tragic incident at the Tamworth Snowdome has highlighted the critical need for businesses to properly assess and manage health and safety risks.
The incident
Twelve-year-old Louis Watkiss tragically lost his life during a tobogganing birthday party at the indoor skiing venue on 24 September 2021. While descending the main ski slope, his toboggan collided with a staff member conducting a slope walk. The impact caused the staff member to fall backward onto Louis, resulting in fatal head injuries.
Following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Snowdome Limited was found to have failed in its duty to ensure customer safety and was fined £100,000 for breaching health and safety laws.
What went wrong?
The HSE investigation revealed significant failings in Snowdome Limited’s risk assessment procedures. Specifically, the company:
- Did not conduct a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for tobogganing activities.
- Failed to consider all individuals present on the slope, including staff and customers.
- Lacked a safe system of work to manage collision risks between toboggans and pedestrians
- Did not provide adequate information, instruction, training, or supervision to ensure safe operations.
These shortcomings meant that crucial safety measures were not in place, leading to a preventable tragedy.
Legal and regulatory responsibilities
Under Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers must take reasonable steps to protect not only their employees but also other individuals who may be affected by their operations. This applies across all industries, from construction sites to entertainment venues like indoor ski slopes.
Nathan Cook, Senior Enforcement Lawyer for HSE, emphasised: “Louis went to a friend’s birthday party at the Snowdome and should have returned home safely to his family after an enjoyable occasion. Tragically, due to the failings of Snowdome Limited, this did not happen.”
He added that the tragedy could have been avoided if the company had implemented adequate risk assessments and safety controls.
What businesses can learn
It is difficult to imagine what Louis’ family have gone through since the tragedy. No business would want to be in the position of Tamworth Snowdome and this case serves as a stark reminder that all businesses—regardless of industry—must take health and safety seriously.
To prevent similar incidents, businesses should:
- Conduct comprehensive risk assessments: Identify hazards and implement measures to mitigate them.
- Establish clear safety procedures: Ensure employees and customers are aware of potential risks and how to avoid them.
- Provide adequate training and supervision: Employees should receive ongoing training to recognise and manage risks effectively.
- Regularly review safety policies: Work environments and operations change over time, making it essential to keep safety policies updated.
Final thoughts
The £100,000 fine imposed on Snowdome Limited serves as a reminder that failure to uphold safety standards can have devastating consequences. Beyond financial penalties, businesses risk irreparable harm to their reputation and, more importantly, endangering lives.
Businesses should take proactive steps to assess risks, implement safeguards, and foster a culture of safety in the workplace. Health and safety should never be an afterthought: it is a fundamental responsibility that protects lives.
