Sheffield Independent – Wednesday 06 October 1937
Pinned By Rail That Slipped
Tragedy Alters Old System
A system of removing rails from a wagon to a stack, which had been operated without mishap for over 20 years until caused a fatality in Manvers Main Colliery yard last Friday, is to be altered as a resultof the inquest proceedings yesterday.
The Inquest was held at Mexborough on Arthur Beaumont (46) of Thomas street. Swinton. who was described as a “zealous worker.’
Evidence showed that the practice of removing rails measuring 40 feet long and weighing half a ton. was to slide them from the wagon, along two other rails running from the wagon to the stack.
Unloading Wagon
Ten men were engaged on unloading wagon on Friday, and one of the long rails “fell short.” It was so close to the wagon that it could not be pushed from the rear, so Beaumont moved in front to pull it.
One of the runner rails then slipped from the wagon, and the long rail also fell, pinning him to the ground.
Two men who were working with him, Samuel Dunstan, Talbot road, Swinton. and William Mellors, of Queen street. Swinton, said they had worked in the yard for over years, and had never before known of accident when moving rails In that way. In the light of what had happened, they both agreed it would safer to fasten the runner rails to the wagon.
Internal Injury
Dr. T. Lindsay explained that externally Beaumont had only a few superficial bruises, but there was a rupture of the small intestine which set generalised peritonitis, and caused his death at Mexborough Montagu hospital the following day.
Addressing the jury, the Coroner (Mr. W. II Carl He) said that apparently the men had carried out the same system of unloading the rails for long lime, but unfortunately, on this occasion there had been accident.
In future, the runner rails would be “anchored” to the wagons, and the Agent at the colliery. Mr. J. Bell, had intimated to him during the inquiry that instructions had been given to that effect.
A verdict of “Accidental death was returned.