The tragic death of 10-year-old Shea Ryan, who fell down a manhole on a construction site in Drumchapel, Glasgow, has led to a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI). The inquiry has revealed significant lapses in site security and risk management by the construction firm RJ McLeod. Graeme Clark, the joint managing director of the firm, testified that he had “no idea” how the boy accessed the site, raising serious questions about the company’s safety protocols.
The Incident and Initial Reactions
In July 2020, Shea Ryan tragically lost his life after climbing through an unsecured fence and falling 20 feet down a manhole shaft. The incident occurred at a construction site managed by RJ McLeod, which was part of a flood alleviation project. The boy’s death shocked the local community and prompted immediate calls for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Graeme Clark, the joint managing director of RJ McLeod, testified at the inquiry, expressing his lack of knowledge about how Shea managed to enter the site. He stated that the manhole cover, which weighed approximately 78kg, should have been difficult for a child to move. Despite this, the cover had been displaced, allowing Shea to fall into the shaft. Clark’s testimony highlighted significant gaps in the site’s security measures.
The inquiry also heard from Shea’s mother, Joanne Ferguson, who expressed her grief and frustration. She questioned why no action had been taken to secure the site, despite it being “well known” that children had been able to access it. Her emotional statement underscored the devastating impact of the incident on Shea’s family and the community.
Failures in Risk Management
The inquiry revealed several failures in RJ McLeod’s risk management processes. Despite industry-standard fencing and CCTV at the site office, there were no formal procedures for recording damage to the perimeter fencing. This lack of documentation meant that potential security breaches went unnoticed, contributing to the tragic accident.
Graeme Clark admitted that the company had no knowledge of any children accessing the site before the incident. However, the inquiry highlighted that damage to the fencing should have been a clear sign of unauthorized access. The failure to address these issues indicated a significant oversight in the company’s safety protocols.
Following Shea’s death, RJ McLeod implemented several changes to improve site security. These included adding an extra layer of fencing, installing CCTV on the perimeter fence, and securing manhole covers with ballast bags. While these measures were introduced post-incident, they raised questions about why such precautions were not in place earlier.
The Impact on the Community and Industry
Shea Ryan’s death has had a profound impact on the Drumchapel community and the wider construction industry. The incident has prompted calls for stricter regulations and better enforcement of safety standards on construction sites. Community members have expressed their grief and anger, demanding accountability and justice for Shea.
The Fatal Accident Inquiry has also put a spotlight on the construction industry’s safety practices. It has highlighted the need for companies to prioritize risk management and ensure that all safety protocols are rigorously followed. The inquiry’s findings are expected to lead to recommendations for improving site security and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
The case has also had legal repercussions for RJ McLeod. In April 2023, the company was fined £860,000 for failing to secure the site. This penalty underscores the serious nature of the safety lapses and serves as a warning to other construction firms about the importance of adhering to safety regulations.
