Crane overturns in workplace accident

In a recent workplace accident, a poorly maintained crane overturned during a lifting operation, causing serious damage to a car.

The incident

The incident occurred when the crane was being used to lift a yacht and the controls locked up during the de-rigging phase. Though the driver successfully freed the controls, the 35-tonne crane overbalanced and fell because the jib was still extended.

An investigation discovered that the crane was overdue for its annual examination and testing, and the controls were prone to locking up. The company also failed to provide a suitable lifting plan, which is an essential safety requirement.

The company pled guilty and was ordered to pay a total of £8,000 in fines and costs.

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Source: Isle of Wight Radio

2 companies fined after crane collapsed on building site

Two companies have been fined after a serious failure in communications led to an 80 tonne mobile crane toppling over, narrowly missing workmen and a busy road.

The incident happened on a building site during construction of a new nursing home. The crane was supplied and operated by another company but confusion arose as to whether the job had been set up as a crane hire only or contract hire basis. Planning of the lift was neglected by both firms and led to vital roles for the job not being assigned.

The lift itself was carried out unsafely as the crane was overloaded and being operated on poor ground. As a result the 80-tonne crane overturned and its extended 50 metre jib fell. A lift plan should have been drawn-up by the competent person and communicated to those involved in the work.

The principal contractor was fined £16,000 and the other company was fined £10,000.

HSE inspector Kathy Gostick said: “Good communications between all those involved in crane operations and all other construction activities is vital to ensure lifting operations are properly planned, particularly those involving the use of heavy mobile cranes working in a busy area such as a construction site.”

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Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-sw-southcoastcranehire.htm?eban=rss-