Dad’s pipes crush death ruled an accident

Frank Dunne - died in tragic pipe collapse

A FATHER-OF-TWO tragically died by accident following a change in work practices at an Oldham company, a jury concluded on Friday.

Last April Frank Dunne (52), of Alston Avenue, Shaw, was found dead under a pile of 12 steel pipes at his work, R Tindall Fabricators Ltd on Hargreaves Street, Oldham.

After a recent change in work practice in the stacking of pipes, Mr Dunne was stacking pipes when the top bundle fell and crushed him.

The jury’s narrative conclusion was: “The deceased died by accident. Following a recent change of work practice the deceased was in the process of double-stacking two bundles of steel pipes.

“While unloading the top bundles he left the forklift and was crouching behind the bundles when the top bundle fell and fatally crushed him.”

Solicitors representing Mr Dunne’s family said they would pursue a civil prosecution against the company.