A company has been fined more than £30,000 after two employees fell from height during the assembly of a crane.
One man fell four feet and suffered serious injuries including fractures to his ribs and eye socket while working for Osprey Heavy Lift Limited in 2019.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Osprey Heavy Lift Limited failed to properly plan the lift and unsuitable lifting accessories were used. During the investigation, suitable anchor points for operatives using fall arrest equipment were not identified and there was no consideration of fall distances.
Additionally, Osprey Heavy Lift Limited failed to provide appropriate instructions and information for work at height and lifting operations.
The incident occurred on January 19, 2021 while the platform was being installed using four lifting chain and each had a hook and safety clasp. The hooks were looped over metal lugs on the platform in order to lift it into position.
The workers removed the two lifting chains nearest the crane structure and moved along the platform to attach the other side to the crane pendants. But at this point, the two remaining lifting chains came off the lugs and one side of the platform fell to the ground.
But despite both men using safety equipment, they both fell from the platform.
At South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on November 7, Osprey Heavy Lift Ltd of Portishead, Bristol, Somerset pleaded guilty of breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The company was fined £24,000 and ordered to pay costs of £9,136.
After the hearing, HSE inspector, Clare Maltby said:
“Companies who undertake crane assembly work must properly plan lifting activities and work at height, making certain the equipment selected is suitable for the task.
“All organisations undertaking lifting and work at height must ensure work is properly planned, and the correct equipment is selected. Workers should be provided with adequate health and safety information and instructions.”
This HSE prosecution was supported by HSE lawyer Samantha Wells.
Further reading
Accidents at work – Oakwood Solicitors
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Alex Singleton joined Oakwood Solicitors in April 2021 as an experienced Paralegal, having worked in Personal Injury since 2018. Currently, Alex works in the Employers’ Liability and Public Liabilit…
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