Crane supplier fined £ 180k after accident at work

A crane supplier has been fined GBP 180,000 after an accident at work resulted in the death of a worker.

Colin Dickson died when the temporary suspension points on a crane failed while lifting a large steel beam at an incinerator in Slough, Berkshire.

The 1.4 tonne beam fell five metres onto Mr Dickson causing fatal injuries to his chest, and fractures to his legs and back.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted J H Carruthers Ltd and one of its supervisors, John Hamilton, after an investigation found the lifting operation has not been planned or appropriately supervised.

HSE's Inspector Karen Morris said the incident showed the importance of carrying out thorough assessments of all lifting operations.

"This was a complex and unusual lift which went drastically wrong due to a lack of competent planning and a failure to supervise and carry out the task safely. The risks involved in such lifting operations should not be underestimated," she added.

J H Carruthers Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined GBP 180,000 and ordered to pay costs of GBP 74,000.

Posted by Trevor Baker

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