Has anyone got any views regarding the fixation of lockers post the above tragedy? I am being told that lockers do not need to be fixed down however my view is somewhat different. Does anyone know of any details of this case which would nulllify the need

If you assess that there is a significant risk from your lockers, that they might be used in horseplay, or misuse that may cause them to fall; and that the control measures are to affix or anchor the lockers in place then you should. The costings of anchoring or bolting to secure walls etc is minute in both time/working hours and money.

Another alternative if climbing on lockers is a potential risk then you can, like my workplace, get sloped tops to lockers; https://www.rsclockers.com/products/lockers-slope_top.php These make it harder/unlikely that people would/could climb on top of them. My workplace has them for purely aesthetic reasons to stop staff putting belongings on top of them. Our lockers are not anchored or locked but they also haven't been highlighted as a risk as the staff are all scientists unlikely to be swinging off the tops of lockers. 

Originally Posted by: Ian Bell2

I wouldn't have too much faith in scientists if I were you.

Many years ago I did a CoSHH assessment for a leading UK university of a research laboratory.

A wide range of chemicals in use - acids/alkalis/solvents etc. Not vast quantities, but nevertheless enough to cause chemical burns etc if dropped/spilled.

They trained/worked to MSc/PhD level of education etc.

These really bright guys didn't see a problem with wearing open toed sandals and shorts in the laboratory ........

At the time I think I only had a basic NEBOSH Certificate, so academically relatively stupid.

But it confirms common sense isn't gained by qualifications.

To the question in hand - securing lockers if possible is probably worth doing. It only takes someone to put something daftly heavy in the front of one of the top ones and it's more unstable, more likely to fall, or have their item fall out when they reopen the locker etc.