Story Highlight
– Ian McCollum, 52, died in workplace accident, 2022.
– Walter Manly convicted of manslaughter and sentenced.
– Telehandler struck McCollum twice, leading to fatal injuries.
– Poor visibility and safety failures contributed to the tragedy.
– McKinstry Biomass fined £120,000 for health safety violations.
Full Story
A devastating workplace incident in Newry has resulted in the loss of a beloved family man, Ian McCollum, aged 52. This tragic event has now led to a court conviction for a local man and a company following a series of dire circumstances that unfolded on January 24, 2022.
The court proceedings culminated on July 8, 2026, when Walter Manly, 53, was sentenced at Newry Crown Court for the manslaughter of McCollum. He had been operating a telehandler at the McKinstry Biomass Ltd site when the accident occurred. McCollum was an employee of McKinstry Skip Hire Ltd and had arrived at the Carnbane Business Park with a Volvo tractor unit carrying a large trailer loaded with wood waste for disposal.
According to details provided during the court hearings, McCollum was standing in the yard, supervising the offloading of the wood waste from his vehicle when the incident unfolded. Manly, operating the JCB Wastemaster telehandler, inadvertently struck McCollum while attempting to navigate towards the waste bay. The situation escalated tragically when the telehandler, after hitting him initially, tipped its load and reversed, causing further injuries that would ultimately prove fatal.
Investigations conducted by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) in conjunction with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) uncovered critical failures that led to the incident. Notably, a reconstruction of the accident highlighted that the telehandler’s bucket was raised during manoeuvring, thereby significantly obstructing Manly’s forward visibility. Compounding this, it was revealed that the cab’s rear window was dirty and the offside rear mirror was poorly adjusted, which severely limited the driver’s ability to see behind the vehicle adequately. Additionally, there was a failure to utilise the vehicle’s rear camera effectively, further diminishing the chances of preventing the accident.
Inspector Kiara Blackburn from HSENI stated, “No job should cost a person their life. Mr McCollum’s death was wholly preventable and highlights the high cost of health and safety standards falling short.” She emphasised the necessity for robust health and safety measures in workplaces, stating that such tragedies could be avoided with proper care and adherence to established protocols. Blackburn stressed that responsibilities lie not only with employers but also with employees to ensure safety in the workplace.
Following his conviction, Manly received a sentence totalling three years and four months for manslaughter, along with an additional twelve-month sentence for breaches of health and safety legislation, which will run concurrently. Of this sentence, half is expected to be served in custody, while the other half will be managed under a licensing arrangement.
Michael McDaid, a Senior Public Prosecutor, conveyed his condolences, asserting, “Ian McCollum was a much-loved husband and father. His death was tragic and avoidable. My thoughts are with Mr McCollum’s family today.” McDaid thanked the family for their patience throughout the legal proceedings and recognised the collaborative efforts of HSENI and the PSNI that facilitated the prosecution. He highlighted the importance of stringent adherence to health and safety regulations to safeguard workers’ rights to a secure work environment.
The aftereffects of this tragedy have reverberated throughout the McCollum family and the local community, with Ian’s wife and son expressing their profound sense of loss. They stated, “We remain devastated at losing Ian. He was a devoted and thoughtful husband and father whose life revolved around us and his love of farming. He loved life and loved us. The future without him will be very difficult.” Their heartfelt statement reflects the staggering emotional impact of the incident on those left behind.
Detective Constable Beck noted the far-reaching consequences of such incidents, stating, “Mr McCollum was struck by a telehandler that was being driven by Manly. He sadly passed away at the scene due to the extent of his injuries – leaving his family devastated by their loss.”
In addition to the conviction of Manly, McKinstry Biomass Ltd also faced repercussions for its role in the incident, having pleaded guilty to several breaches under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000. The company was duly fined £120,000 at the same court hearing for its failures in ensuring a safe working environment.
This case serves as a sobering reminder to employers across various sectors of the critical importance of prioritising health and safety standards to prevent such irreversible tragedies. As the McCollum family continues to mourn their loss, the court’s decisions aim to send a clear message regarding the grave consequences of negligence in workplace safety practices. The lessons learned here ought to resonate throughout Northern Ireland’s workplaces, reinforcing the imperative that every worker returns home safely at the end of the day.
Our Thoughts
The tragic death of Ian McCollum raises critical safety concerns regarding the management of workplace transport risks. Key lessons from this incident highlight the need for enhanced visibility measures for operators of heavy machinery, such as ensuring mirrors are properly adjusted and the cabin is clean. Compliance with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 is essential, as McKinstry Biomass Ltd was convicted under these regulations for failing to adequately protect their employees.
To prevent similar incidents, employers should conduct thorough risk assessments and regularly enforce safety training for operators, including the safe use of rear cameras and assessing blind spots. The incident underscores that health and safety procedures must be prioritized and not treated as optional. Regular maintenance checks of equipment should also be mandated to ensure all safety features are functional and effective.
The prosecution of Walter Manley for manslaughter and the fines imposed on McKinstry Biomass Ltd serve as a stern reminder that negligence in adhering to health and safety practices can have devastating consequences.
