Lessons from a Tragic Incident at Edinburgh Airport
At Consult CPK, we champion a proactive approach to workplace safety — not simply for compliance, but because lives depend on it. A recent case at Edinburgh Airport underscores the devastating consequences that can result when routine equipment checks are overlooked.
The Incident
In November 2023, 81-year-old James Young tragically lost his life following a fall from an ambulift — a specialised vehicle used to assist passengers with reduced mobility when boarding or disembarking an aircraft.
Mr Young and his wife, both returning from a holiday in Rhodes, were among six passengers waiting for ambulift assistance. While attempting to pass a bag to a ground worker, Mr Young leaned against a safety rail on the lift platform. The rail, which should have been securely locked, swung open. Mr Young fell approximately five feet to the ground.
Though initially believed to have suffered only minor injuries, Mr Young was admitted to hospital and later died from his injuries on 7 December 2023.
What Went Wrong?
A subsequent investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the ambulift’s safety rail locking mechanism was misaligned, allowing it to open under pressure. Critically, this fault was not new — it had been present before the incident but had not been identified or repaired.
This represents a clear breach of Regulation 5(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, which requires employers to ensure that all work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in good working order, and in good repair. The failure to meet this standard ultimately contributed to a tragic and avoidable loss of life.
The Consequences
On 10 June 2025, Edinburgh Airport Limited pleaded guilty to breaching both the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £80,000 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
HSE Inspector Jurate Gruzaite commented:
“Edinburgh Airport Limited had a duty to ensure all of its work equipment was maintained in an efficient state and in working order. The company failed in this duty and had a role in a family tragedy… It is clear that the fault on the ambulift had been in place before Mr Young fell.”
Key Takeaways for Employers
This case is a sobering reminder that health and safety is not a box-ticking exercise — it is a moral and legal responsibility. Employers must:
- Conduct regular inspections of all work equipment
- Act immediately on any identified faults or wear and tear
- Ensure staff are trained to spot and report issues
- Maintain detailed records of maintenance schedules and safety checks
Follow HSE guidance to ensure compliance with relevant regulations
What Consult CPK Can Do to Help
At Consult CPK, we work with organisations across Northern Ireland and beyond to embed robust health and safety practices. From equipment audits and workplace risk assessments to accredited training programmes, we help businesses meet their legal duties — and more importantly, protect their people.
Whether you’re in transport, manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, or any other sector, we urge all employers to learn from this case. A culture of safety saves lives.
Don’t wait for tragedy to prompt change. Prioritise health and safety — every day, for everyone.
