22 February 2024 , 14:12
1004
0
A teenage labourer died at a skip hire yard after machinery hit a wall causing a concrete block to fall on him, a coroner has been told.
Oliver Thomas Nield, also known as Oliver Mawdsley, died at the scene following a 'workplace accident' at M60 Skip Hire in Bury town centre, where the 17 year old had recently just started working. Police coroner's officer Jane Scullion told the hearing at Rochdale Coroner's Court: "He had recently started working at M60 Skip Hire.
"He was seen on CCTV walking with another member of staff into a large concrete wall. On the other side of the wall was a piece of machinery which made contact with the wall. That caused two large concrete blocks to fall. One fell on Oliver. There's an ongoing police investigation."
Ms Scullion said Oliver, who was born at Fairfield Hospital and lived in Bury, was a labourer and was single. He was identified at the premises by his mother Samantha, she said.
A joint investigation by the police and Health and Safety Executive, has seen two people arrested, and is ongoing. Greater Manchester Police said following the incident that a 41-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of driving offences and gross negligence manslaughter, while a 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.
Mum's 'awful' screams after son, 11, hit and killed by bus while riding his bike
Both have been bailed pending further enquiries. Area Coroner Julie Mitchell said no date for the full inquest will be set until the investigation was complete and would "depend on whether there's any criminal prosecution". She asked for a full file from both GMP and the HSE and asked that they "keep this court updated regarding the progress of any criminal investigation or charge".
Police at the company in Bury (MEN Media)Oliver's mum Samantha said: “My brown-eyed boy Ollie - you were the most courageous, loving, caring boy we have ever met. You are my whole world. I just can’t imagine you not walking through the door, giving me the biggest cuddle and sloppiest kiss with your big lips saying ‘love you mama.'
“Going checking on your baby brother who adores you and would non-stop come into your room for you to play Fortnite or wrestle on the floor, with you giving the best cuddles. You were always there for everyone. You were the best little brother to Coby, the best big brother to Hector, and your other siblings.
Tributes were paid to Oliver (MEN Media)“You were never shy to show your emotions in public – you were big and strong but so soft with a loving personality. You protected everyone with your big, kind, caring heart, and your beautiful smile that lit up the room and everyone else’s heart too. You were always there for everyone else.
“I will miss every single piece of you. My heart is broken and I wish I could just bring you home with me where you belong. I wish I could hear your singing and giggling away in your room one more time. I just can’t ever accept you’re never coming home. I will give anything to bring you back, anything."
She added: “Your life was just beginning. Me and Papa watched you grow from our beautiful little boy to the most beautiful handsome young man. Your life was only just starting - you were saving to be able to buy the Crosser you always wanted and your car insurance. Your face would light up the world when you spoke about all your hopes and dreams, and you would have achieved them all.”