Lieutenant General Dame Sharon Nesmith DCB Deputy Chief of the General Staff (DCGS), as the Army Safety Champion and on behalf of the British Army, accepts the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Crown Censure issued today in relation to the death of Private Conor McPherson, of 3rd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS), on 22 August 2016.
“I, on behalf of the Army, am deeply sorry for failing Pte Conor McPherson. I unreservedly apologise to his family for Conor's tragic death in a training accident on 22 August 2016.
“We 100 per cent accept the Health and Safety Executive findings. We failed to plan, organise, control and monitor the critical safety aspects of this live firing training event.
“Whilst live firing is complex and risky, Conor's death was preventable. We care hugely about our soldiers - above all else their health and wellbeing - on this occasion we got it wrong. Very wrong.
“We have addressed each of the failings cited in the Crown Censure. We took action in the immediate aftermath and have continued to apply lessons since. I, as the Army Safety Champion, am committed to driving the necessary change to reduce all training risk to the lowest possible level.
“We very much regret Conor's death. His legacy will be our continual drive to do better. On behalf of the MOD and the Army, I offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends."