'Simple steps' could have prevented Laois man's tragic death in New Zealand

The tragic death of a Ballacolla man at work in New Zealand could have been averted if his employer had taken simple steps to avert the tragedy , according to reports on the Corner's verdict following an inquiry into the death of Sean Clear. 

His passing has also caused a Coroner to issue urgent safety recommendations after Mr Clear died after being electrocuted while doing work on a North Island farm.

Media reports from New Zealand also revealed that Sean Clear’s family was left in “disbelief” by the circumstances of his death, according to the report from Coroner Mark Wilton.

“They were particularly pained that if simple steps had been taken... the tragedy could have been averted,” his report said.

Mr Clear, who was just three days short of his 25th birthday, lost his life on February 17, 2023 at Taurewa Station, as he was helping move a tractor stuck in the mud. He died at the scene.

The Waikato Times reported that the Coroner Wilton found that death happened after overhead power lines were not identified as a risk and “as a result simple steps to mitigate that risk were not done”.

It was also found that Coogan Contracting, Mr Clear’s employer, did not identify the power lines as a hazard and did not communicate the risks to employees. These failings were found to have directly led to the fatality.

WorkSafe is New Zealand's primary workplace health and safety regulator. It is also reported that their investigation found that the employer breached its legal duties by not adequately assessing the overhead line risk, failing to train staff, and neglecting simple preventative steps.

Coroner Wilton said he accepted WorkSafe's view that the overhead powerlines were a risk that should have been clearly identified by the employer. He also accepted that the failure to "identify and mitigate that risk resulted in Mr Clear’s death.”

It was also reported that Coogan’s was prosecuted and fined NZ$25,000, and ordered to pay NZ$100,000 in emotional harm reparation to Clear’s family.

The Coroner said the tragic event highlights how everyday risks in farming can become deadly if basic safety protocols are ignored.

“Simple, no-cost steps could have saved a life.”

Coroner Wilton extended sincere condolences to them, noting the “profound grief” caused by the loss.

READ ALSO: Farmer in critical care on Laois land after alleged assault

The family declined to comment when contacted by the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

The young man was involved with Clough Ballacolla GAA club before he departed for New Zealand in 2022. With the help of friends and family and Clough Ballacolla GAA, Seán’s parents Tom and Julie organised a raffle and a Truck and Tractor Run in memory of Seán for the benefit of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust. The event was held on the first anniversary of Seán’s death on February 17, 2024.

The Leinster Express / Laois Live reported in April 2024 that an incredible €40,000 was subsequently raised in memory of Seán Clear after the community came together to support the charity, which brought his remains home to his family.