Crane hire firm fined for safety failings
Company prosecuted by HSE after worker hit and injured by falling crane jib on site in Cardiff
A BRIDGEND crane hire firm has been fined for failing to make adequate provisions for safe work at height.
Pyle-based RW Christopher Crane Hire Ltd were prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after an investigation identified issues with risk assessments and systems of work; and the availability of suitable fall-arrest or restraint equipment.
Inspectors also found there was no training or instruction given to workers required to operate at height, and the company was lacking basic procedures and policies covering such work.
The failings came to light after the HSE attended an incident in Cardiff on 1 October 2012, when, during stowing of a mobile crane jib by RW Christopher Crane Hire Ltd employees, it fell and hit a colleague who was working close to the crane, causing injuries to his back and ribs.
Although Cardiff Magistrates’ Court heard that there was no evidence to link the company’s failings to the incident, RW Christopher Crane Hire Ltd were fined £6,000 and ordered to pay £1,904 in costs after pleading guilty to breaching Section 2(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Steve Richardson said: ‘Falls from height account for more than half of all fatal incidents in the construction industry. Work at height on cranes is recognized by the industry as being high risk and must be carefully planned and properly managed by trained and competent people with the correct equipment.’
