An Oxford mechanic has died after a vehicle he was working on fell and crushed him.
Michael King, a 61-year-old from Marcham Road, Drayton, died when a Land Rover that he had been repairing from his home fell on top of him. An investigation into the incident revealed that the jack, which was holding the vehicle above him so he could work on the underside of the 4x4, suddenly gave way.
Tragic stories like this serve as a reminder that fatal accidents can happen to even the most experienced motor trade professionals. Although Mr King was operating out of his own home, for companies that perform repairs at a business premises, it is a good idea to get engineering cover as part of a combined motor trade insurance policy.
Engineering cover will ensure heavy machinery, such as lifts for vehicles, are checked regularly. This will not only help keep mechanics safe, it will also clear the owner or manager of the car garage of responsibility should a piece of equipment malfunction, possibly causing fatal injuries to an employee.
The Oxford Times reported that the accident took place on 31 May, at which time Mr King was airlifted to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. His condition deteriorated and he died in hospital on 5 June.
A coroner’s report released yesterday (10 June) stated that the cause of death was a “hypoxic brain injury due to cardiac arrest”. A further inquest into Mr King’s death has been adjourned until 15 October.
