MAN’S DEATH IN CLAY PIT

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22579, 8 December 1938, Page 9

MAN’S DEATH IN CLAY PIT

CORONER’S COMMENT AT

INQUEST

(FBXSS A93OCIATIOH TELEOBAK.)

PALMERSTON N., December 7. At an inquest into the death of Ernest Lovatt, aged 51, who was killed when a fall of earth occurred in a clay pit, evidence was given that there were regulations covering similar excavations in the Scaffolding and Excavations Act, but the work concerned in this case came under the Factories Act, which had no regulations covering such operations. The Coroner (Mr Graham) asked the management of the pit to take note of the evidence offered relating to the Scaffolding Act. The Coroner said it was advisable that such pits should be brought under a regulation as to the methods employed, though he did not impute any lack of care or any negligence on the part of those in charge of the operations. For the police. Inspector Cummings said he would forward the Coroner’s rider to the quarter concerned. The verdict was that death from multiple injuries was caused through a fall of earth. Every precaution, had been taken to secure the safety ot the men, the -Coroner added.