Lack of Health and Safety Training in Crane Fall
An HGV driver was injured in 2008 when a crane dropped its load of metal tubes on him. The driver was only 31 years old, but he is now a paraplegic due to the head, back, and leg injuries he sustained at Festival Park. The crane load was dropped during the renovation of retail premises. The incident happened three years ago, but it is finally being heard in court. According to the information released by the HSE, the young man was standing on the back of the truck using a vehicle-mounted crane. He was under the load operating the crane tools when one of the slings broke free. This caused the tubes to fall on to him.
The HSE had to investigate the incident to find if Spectra Scaffolding, his employer, was remiss in any of the health and safety requirements. It was found that the company did not offer proper health and safety training to the driver. They also failed to provide proper supervision of the worker. The HSE also stated the company did not plan the work correctly. The court was told the crane hook was faulty. This was another reason the sling slipped free, dumping the load. It means the company failed to notice the faulty hook and replace it before an incident occurred.
Health and safety audits are necessary in order to catch issues such as this, along with risk assessments that make certain planning is conducted properly.
