Overview
- Kamil Grygieniec, 23, died on October 8, 2021, when a heavy mower rolled into a pond at North Stainley and was found overturned on top of him.
- A post-mortem found he died from significant blunt-force head injuries, with drowning ruled out and toxicology showing no alcohol or drugs.
- An HSE inspector told the inquest the mower weighed over 700kg and should have had a ROPS under rules for vehicles above 400kg, with damage consistent with a rollover.
- The HSE evidence said he was not wearing a seatbelt, and the inspector noted operators may avoid belts when no ROPS is fitted because a restraint could trap them in a rollover.
- The company director said he did not remove any safety frame and did not believe the mower rolled, as colleagues gave conflicting testimony on training, risk assessments and instructions to avoid mowing near the pond; the inquest continues.