Cellar death emphasises need for safety
Licensees across Wales are checking safety methods after a pensioner fell through a cellar trap door and died.
Cyril Meredith, 65, was blind in one eye and partially sighted in the other and had not seen the open door at the Sarah Siddons pub in Brecon, Powys, as licensee Kevin Page was at work in the cellar.
Barrels were on the pavement by the door as a signal but there were no barriers or safety warnings.
An inquest heard how Mr Meredith crashed through the doors and was killed by the fall and Powys Coroner Geraint Williams recorded a verdict of accidental death.
Mark Hastings, director of communications at the BBPA said: "Safety should be paramount in everything you do in your business. A proper risk assessment is the best place to start and from then on it's about keeping health and safety at the forefront of your mind."
Geoff Jones, licensee at the Barley Mow Inn, in Builth Wells, Powys, said: "It was a freak accident that could have happened to anyone but everyone sympathises with those involved. We take safety issues very seriously in Wales and this will remind us how important it is."
Pictured: Licensees need to pay close attention to health and safety issues in their businesses.
