Toppling crane prompts HSE warning

Categories: Construction Health and Safety | General Health and Safety |


Toppling crane prompts HSE warning Crane hire firms have been reminded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to plan work carefully after a sixty-tonne piece of apparatus tipped over.

The inspectorate found that the managing director of the company had incorrectly estimated the weight of the tower and that he had failed to explain the type of contract to his client.

It reported that while the apparatus was set up on tarmac, its outriggers were on ground that was too soft, causing it to fall over when attempts were made to lift a 23-metre chimney stack.

Following an investigation, the firm was fined £8,000 and ordered to pay an additional £8,842 in court costs.

Neil Jamieson, an HSE inspector assigned to the incident, commented: "It is essential that for all lifting operations, proper planning - including careful assessment of the ground conditions and appropriate methods of work - should be adopted."

As well as ensuring equipment is set up safely, employers are required to ensure that workers are provided with suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) – such as safety helmets and hi vis clothing – under the PPE at Work Regulations 1992.ADNFCR-1200-ID-18692056-ADNFCR

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