Skiing company fined after boy killed in tobogganing collision

Louis Watkiss, 12, was at a birthday party at the Snowdome in Tamworth, Staffordshire, on 24 September 2021 when the incident happened.

Louis had been descending the main ski slope on the toboggan when it slid into the back of the member of staff. The staff member, who had been conducting a ‘slope walk’ fell backwards onto Louis, who died at the scene from head injuries.

According to HSE, risks to people from equipment and visitor and staff movement had not been properly thought through.

“Louis’s death could have been prevented if the company had adequately assessed and controlled the risks associated with tobogganing activities,” commented HSE’s senior enforcement lawyer, Nathan Cook.

“Our risk assessment guidance may be more commonly used for workplaces such as factories and construction sites, but the same principles apply for busy venues like indoor ski slopes,” he added.

The indoor slope at Tamworth Snowdome. Photograph: HSE

Louis enjoyed learning and showed “immense curiosity about the world around him” said the family in a tribute following the incident. He had reached grade five in saxophone and had a passion for music. “Louis will remain forever in our hearts. We miss him so much it hurts.”

Louis Watkiss. Photograph: Staffordshire Police

SnowDome’s directors said Louis should have returned safely to his family after tobogganing at their venue.

"The fact that he didn't is something for which we will be forever remorseful," they told the BBC.

"We know we can never change what has happened, and this heartbreaking knowledge is why we have always accepted full responsibility for this terrible tragedy."

Snowdome Limited, of Leisure Island, Tamworth, Staffordshire, pleaded guilty at Telford Magistrates’ Court to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. At the hearing on 26 February, they were fined £100,000 with costs of £14,534.