HS2 site worker died after being struck by an unsecured pipe

Charles Harper was working for a firm in HS2 contractor Balfour Beatty VINCI's supply chain

The death of a man struck by a coiled pipe at an HS2 site could have been prevented if safety measures had been followed, a coroner has said.

Charles Harper, 71, suffered serious injuries in the incident in Solihull on 27 April, 2023. He died the next day.

A coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death and said the pipe which struck him had not been secured according to instructions.

Action should be taken to "prevent future deaths," he said.

Mr Harper, employed by a firm in HS2 contractor Balfour Beatty VINCI's supply chain, was involved in drilling at the Sublot 5 Site on Middle Bickenhill Lane, Marston Green.

Charles Harper was involved in drilling and associated works on part of the high-speed rail link project

On the day of the incident, ducting made from a 180mm polyethylene coiled pipe was being dispensed from a coil trailer, through a 100m hole.

Mr Harper was stood "sufficiently close" to the trailer and, at the end of the dispensing, the unsecured tail end of the coiled pipe sprung and struck him.

Coroner James Bennett wrote in a prevention of future deaths report to the Pipeline Industries Guild that operating instructions for the trailer stated it should be secured to the tail end of the pipe, as energy could cause it to spring.

The coil trailer was supplied with a restraining clamp and strap, but "no such securing mechanism was utilised" and this contributed to Mr Harper's death, he said.

An HS2 Ltd spokesperson added: "We acknowledge the recent ruling by the coroner, that the death of Charles Harper was accidental.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues, as well as anyone who has been affected by this tragic incident."