Heavy materials 'must be secured'

Categories: General Health and Safety |


Heavy materials 'must be secured' Businesses in the construction industry have been reminded of the importance of securing heavy materials properly before attempting to move them following an incident with a four-tonne girder.

The 15-metre steel girder was being moved from one end of a warehouse to another when it fell, narrowly missing employees and partially destroying an office inside the building.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that the contracted company had not planned the operation adequately and as a result had used the wrong equipment to move the girder.

HSE inspector Andrew Woodhall commented: "This was an entirely preventable incident with the real potential to cause serious injury or even death.

"Fortunately, no-one was hurt on this occasion but this alarming incident should act as a reminder to others that standards need to be maintained to ensure the safety of workers at all times," he added.

Companies could invest in safety helmets for their employees to minimise the risk of injury from objects falling from above.
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