03.05.2015
Fatal telehandler overturn
A man died and 11 others were injured at a vintage car rally in Oosterwolde - between Zwolle and Groningen in the Netherlands - on Saturday, when a Roto telehandler, fitted with a large work platform tipped forward while giving a group of children and adults a ride at a height of over 20 metres.
The injured included those in the platform and those standing below, including the man who died - a 48 year old who was at the show with his wife and three children. He was hit directly by the boom as it came down, killing him outright.
Eight of the 10 injured that were taken to hospital were children, ranging in age from four to 10. Two of the injured are in serious condition, including at least one of the children. Around 450 people were attending the event when the incident occurred.
Please register to see all images
The machine had its full boom out with a platform full of children then it went over, as the outigger jacks sunk into the ground
The machine, a large Merlo Roto, was set up on outriggers on the grass, but with no spreader plates were used under the outrigger pads. As the machine reached full height the outriggers began to sink, and the machine lost stability and tipped over.
Police and safety Inspectorate are investigating the incident, and police have appealed for members of the public to send them videos and photos of the incident.
Please register to see all images
The machine was uprighted within 20 minutes of the incident and before any inspection took place
Initial reports that we received suggested that the machine had been free on wheels with retracted boom, it turns out that this was due to the fact that the machine was quickly pulled back upright after the incident, and the boom retracted and outriggers stowed. An absolute 'No-No' when such an incident has resulted in injury and death. Of course it could be that the people were trapped under the boom and thus pulling the machine off was absolutely the right thing to do.
Fortunately there should be plenty of photographic evidence of what happened.
Sherm
I posted more on Facebook about probable lawsuits. The basket limit might have or could have been exceeded. But primary negligence was to employ this equipment for amusement. It should have not be done. Inspection beforehand might have indicated precautions or a no-go order without spreader plates.
I just acquired cypress beams 4" x 4" x 24" to construct four 24" x 24" spreader plates sandwiched between painted exterior plywood panels for use on my Niftylift TM40 on risky soil conditions. I would rather be safe than sorry.
Its time that Vertikal.net readers had a look under "Letters" and read Paul Adorian correspondence with HSE from 2011 concerning Cranes and MEWPs being used as amusement rides. Take the time to read the full correspondence and get the understanding of where your business will be if you tried using a MEWP as joy ride device in the UK.
http://www.vertikal.net/uploads/tx_filelinks/Full_correspondence_between_Paul_Adorian_and_HSE_2011_01.pdf
Has the HSE changed there mind on this?
We all agree that a crane "could" be used in exceptional circumstances, or in an emergencyy to rescue a person or prevent other injuries, with a full and knowledgeable risk and hazard assessment. But for Joy-rides ????
Sprague
Cannot believe they set up on grass without spreader plates.
Is the need to show people what something looks like from overhead really worth subjecting them to these risks ? Will we never learn ?