Aberdeenshire painter who died after fall from ladder may have suffered cardiac episode

Kevin Stewart, 51, died in hospital on 15 September 2018 after an accident on 3 September 2018, where he had fallen from a set of podium steps while applying filler by hand to remedy minor plasterwork defects on the wall.

He was employed by Aberdeen-based MN Hamilton & Sons as a full-time painter foreman at the time, and was contracted to Robertson Construction Limited to work at the development.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) conducted an investigation into the circumstances of his death and found no failings on the part of any individual or organisation, or material breaches that would account for the fall that led to his death.

Handing down her determination following the fatal accident inquiry, Sheriff Morag McLaughlin said: “Whilst the investigation has not made it possible to reach a definitive conclusion about what cause Mr Stewart to fall, it is at least possible, according to the pathologist, that his underlying heart disease may have contributed to this.

“The court extends its sympathy to Mr Stewart’s family and loved ones. As the procurator fiscal advised, it was clear that Mr Stewart was a much loved father and also well respected by his employers and colleagues, who did what they could for him in those moments after he fell in order to give him the best chance possible.”