February 12, 2018

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In court

Fine after worker crushed by steel coil

A Midlands-based steel supplier has been fined after a 35-year old worker was struck and crushed by an overhead coil.

On 8 November 2016, the worker was delivering a steel coil to the CSJ Coil site in Dudley. It was lifted on to an overhead crane when the coil slipped and crushed the worker below. The employee suffered life-changing injuries to both legs, which later required surgical intervention to amputate his left leg.

Lifting operations

The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) investigation found that CSJ Coil Trading Limited had failed to implement a safe system of work for unloading operations and lifting operations at its site. It was also found the company failed to manage the risks associated with lifting steel coils overhead of workers.

At Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court, CSJ Coil Trading Limited of Sovereign Works, Deepdale Lane, Dudley pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 – an offence under Section 33(1) of the Act. The company is in administration and has been fined £1 and ordered to pay costs of £1,745.60.

Duty to plan and manage risk

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Helen Chesworth said: “This incident could have easily been prevented had the company implemented a safe system of work for this work activity.

“Dutyholders have a responsibility to properly plan and manage risks associated with dangerous work activities such as unloading and lifting of steel coils. The worker in this case has suffered unnecessary life changing injuries as a result of the company’s failings.”

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Adrienne
Adrienne
6 years ago

What a travesty for that worker, and so young only in his 30s with so much lift yet to live. Stories like this make is all the more evident just how crucial workplace safety is when it comes to heavy duty machinery. From your friends across the pond at http://www.fgcranes.com/, thanks for the informative piece.