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January 11, 2011

Worker crushed by falling crane load

A site worker at a steel manufacturing plant suffered serious crush injuries when a three-tonne process tank fell from an overhead crane and landed on him.

Edward Baxter, 29, was working for Wefco (Gainsborough) Ltd at the Britannia Works in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire when the incident took place on 4 March 2008. Mr Baxter was helping to move the tank from a vertical position to a horizontal position so it could be pressure tested.

The tank was being lifted with an overhead crane, which was attached to a temporary lifting bracket that had been welded on to the tank. But during the lift, the bracket broke off, causing the tank to fall and land on Mr Baxter, who sustained multiple fractures and head injuries. He was unable to return to work for a number months owing to his injuries, and is still only able to perform light duties.

The HSE issued two Prohibition Notices on 9 April 2008, which banned the use of lifting brackets unless they have adequate strength, and to ensure that no workers are positioned in the ‘danger zone’ directly beneath lifting operations.

HSE inspector Steve Woods revealed that the work was poorly planned and there was inadequate supervision. He said: “Employers need to ensure that difficult lifting operations are planned beforehand and that correct lifting equipment is being used.

“An incident like this demonstrates how vital it is that safe working procedures are communicated to and understood by people who carry out such lifting tasks.

“Supervision is also imperative and managers need to monitor the workplace of employees to ensure that safe working procedures are being followed and corners aren’t being cut.”

Wefco appeared at Lincoln Crown Court on 10 January and pleaded guilty to breaching s2(1) of the HSWA 1974. It was fined £15,000 and ordered to pay £5000 in costs.

In mitigation, the firm said it had no previous convictions and had taken immediate remedial action following the incident. It now ensures that all lifting operations are properly planned and supervised. It has changed the method of work so the tanks are either lifted using fibre strops, or using two cranes to lift at opposing ends of the unit.

Inspector Woods concluded: “This was an incident that resulted in very serious injuries to a young man, which could have been even worse. His injuries could have been avoided had a safe system of work been followed.”

Approaches to managing the risks associated Musculoskeletal disorders

In this episode of the Safety & Health Podcast, we hear from Matt Birtles, Principal Ergonomics Consultant at HSE’s Science and Research Centre, about the different approaches to managing the risks associated with Musculoskeletal disorders.

Matt, an ergonomics and human factors expert, shares his thoughts on why MSDs are important, the various prevalent rates across the UK, what you can do within your own organisation and the Risk Management process surrounding MSD’s.

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