A HGV driver suffered severe injuries to his head, back and legs when he was crushed by metal tubes which fell from a crane.
The injured man, David Collins, worked for Spectra Scaffolding who were prosecuted by the Health & Safety Executive following the accident.
Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard how Mr Collins was unloading 21ft long scaffolding tubes from the back of a truck using a vehicle-mounted crane. As he stood under the load operating the crane controls, one of the lifting slings detached from the crane hook, causing the metal tubes, which weighed nearly one and a half tonnes, to fall onto him.
The investigation revealed that a safety catch on the crane hook was faulty and this led to the scaffolding tubes falling. The company had known that the safety catch was faulty but had failed to replace it. In addition, Mr Collins had not been properly trained to use the sling and crane properly and the company failed to adequately supervise him. In addition his employer failed to plan the work safely.
The company was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay £45,000 costs. In addition Mr Collins may make a work injury compensation in respect of his injuries, lost earnings and past and future medical costs.
The case highlights to need for companies to ensure that workers receive proper and suitable training for all aspects of their work and provide effective supervision. Furthermore proper maintenance of all work equipment is essential to avoid unnecessary accidents at work.
If you have been injured in a work accident you may be entitled to make a no win – no fee claim for work injury compensation. Our clients keep 100% of any compensation received. Contact us for free, no obligation advice on freephone 0800 731 5434 or submit a claim on-line.
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