The wife of a Black Country man crushed to death when a lorry’s lifting equipment fell on him  has called for better training for mechanics.

Lynne Greensill, who lost husband Sidney – known as Tony to friends and family – in February last year in the tragic accident, has today spoken to the Express & Star following an inquest into his death.

During the proceedings, it was found he had been unaware of the dangers surrounding the task.

“It really highlights the importance of full and proper training,” she said.

“If Tony had had the correct training, he would have been more aware of the danger, and the things that might make the lifting gear fall.

“The family all miss Tony so much. At times life is unbearable.”

Mr Greensill died while at work at SB Waste Management and Recycling Services in Vicarage Road West, Woodsetton.  He was repairing brakes on the machinery when it fell on him.

During the inquest, Health and Safety expert Dr Dominic Swan said he believed a metal pin – which locks the lifting equipment in place – had come loose, causing the lifting equipment to fall.

The inquest heard that Mr Greensill had showed fellow mechanic Richard Mason how to use an A-frame prop to support the lifting gear in case of a hydraulic system failure.

“On the lorry he was working on, the hydraulics were working fine – and because of the lack of training he wouldn’t have known there were other dangers that might make it fall,” said Mrs Greensill, of Bridgewater Drive, Coseley.

“Something needs to be done to make sure mechanics get proper training, as it’s a dangerous job.”

At the inquest last week, the jury returned a verdict of accidental death but added: “We believe he was not made fully aware of the risks involved in the work he was undertaking.”

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive will now determine whether any further action needs to be taken against the firm.