Human Cannonball loses job for safety reasons

A human cannonball at the Cottle and Austen Circus lost his job in June 2005 when he injured his knee while performing his stunt. His employers decided that for his own safety, he should receive specialist training at a space centre in Brazil. The course there would help him to deal with the G-force that goes with the job. Due to his fear of long flights in an aircraft, however, he refused to go to Brazil and was dismissed.

The company maintains that he was dismissed for his own safety. Without the proper training, it would be too dangerous for him to continue. The cannon puts a lot of pressure on the legs and back and previous knee injuries are a big problem.

A claim for unfair dismissal by the employee is under consideration. The company has replaced him with someone who has taken the specialist training course.

If you require any advice on health and safety training please contact our support line on 08700 200 999.