Incident Overview
A 78-year-old farmer from Aberdeenshire died after being trampled by a cow on his farm, an event described as a "tragic accident" by a sheriff. Gordon Chalmers, who resided at Thriepland Farm, Boyndie, passed away in hospital two days following the incident that occurred in October 2024.
Mr. Chalmers was engaged in sorting cows into groups inside a shed, preparing them to be kept indoors for the winter season.
Fatal Accident Inquiry Findings
Following a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI), Sheriff Robert McDonald concluded that the presence of a gate separating the farmer from the animals would have been a reasonable safety measure that might have averted the accident.
During the incident, Mr. Chalmers was working in the cow shed alongside his wife, his son, and one of their employees. They were in the process of sorting the cows into groups and had reached the last two animals when a "rumbling or roaring sound" was heard from the area where Mr. Chalmers was located. Subsequently, he was found on the ground.
He sustained significant crush injuries and was airlifted by helicopter to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for medical treatment.
Sheriff's Remarks
"It is clear from the witness statements that Mr Chalmers was a gentleman who knew his business and had his own preferred way of doing things, which he would not change."
"I agree with the Crown submission that it was therefore a matter of Mr Chalmers' preferred way of working rather than any defect in a system of work."
The sheriff did not issue any recommendations following the inquiry.
"I would wish to extend my sincere condolences to the family of the late Mr Chalmers for their sad loss as a result of this tragic accident,"
he added.
