An electrician and married father of two has died after being electrocuted while repairing a kitchen cooker at a primary school in Oldham.
Jason Haslem, 24, was knocked out by a massive electric shock while working on the electric system just days before pupils were due to return for the first day of the new term.
Paramedics tried to revive him but Mr Haslem died at the scene without regaining consciousness.
Today, as a health and safety inquiry began into the tragedy at Fir Bank Primary School in Royton, near Oldham, Mr Haslem’s widow Jessica spoke of her grief at the death of her husband whom she married 18 months ago.
The couple have two young sons, George and Toby.
In a statement posted on Facebook soon after the tragedy Mrs Haslem, 25, from Penwortham, near Preston, said: “I want to thank everyone, from the bottom of my very empty feeling heart, for all of your kindness and thoughts.
“Jason is a very lucky man to be loved by so many, which is a credit to how truly perfect he was. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to dedicate my life to. Just one more hour and it won’t be ‘yesterday’ anymore.”
She added: “Numbness is wearing off, it’s all starting to feel too real. Take me back a week please, I won’t let Jason out of my sight.”
Mr Haslem worked for Blackburn firm Acme which specialises in supplying, installing and maintaining commercial catering equipment for schools and businesses.
The incident occurred on August 28 when he had been assigned to check over the cookers at the 202 pupil school whilst the youngsters were off for the summer.
Greater Manchester Police said in a statement: “At 4.45pm on Thursday August 28, police were called to Fir Bank Primary School following reports a man had been injured in an industrial accident.
“Officers arrived and discovered a 24-year-old man had been hurt and was unconscious. Paramedics tried to revive him but the man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
“At this stage, it would appear to be a tragic accident and a joint investigation is underway between Greater Manchester Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to establish the exact circumstances leading up to this man’s death.”
Acme, which was officially rebranded as The Acme Facilities Group Limited said in a statement: “It is with enormous sadness that we confirm the death of one of our employees, Jason Haslem.
“This is clearly a tragic incident for everyone at ACME Facilities Group Limited and for everyone who knew Jason but, above all, our thoughts and profound condolences are with Jason’s wife and family.
Our priority now is to support them, and Jason’s colleagues, at what is an extremely difficult time.
“It is very important that the circumstances surrounding the incident are thoroughly investigated and we will of course continue to provide all necessary assistance to the authorities involved in that process. It would be wrong to say anything else whilst that investigation takes place.”
Hazel MacKay, headmistress at Fir Bank Primary School confirmed the work was being undertaken to refurbish the school’s kitchen.
She said: “Our thoughts are with this man’s family at this time and we offer our deepest condolences.
“The school was closed at the time of the incident, which happened during the school holidays. This matter is now being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive and we will co-operate fully with them.”
A HSE spokesman said: “We are aware that an electrician died after suffering an electric shock. The police are looking at it and if they decide there is no case for corporate manslaughter then they will hand it over to us.”
Story via Cavendish Press
Main image courtesy of Google Maps, with thanks
Inset image courtesy of Facebook, with thanks
