04.06.2013
Fatal fall from height
A man has died in hospital after falling around 10 metres at Mustang Marine in Pembroke Port, Wales on Tuesday.
The police have limited their statement to the fact that the man ‘fell from machinery’ at the yard. What is clear is that he was working at height without a harness and attached lanyard.
At least one witness has said that man was using an 80ft boom lift, (another said it was a 60ft) at least to reach the point that he fell from. We have though been unable to confirm this categorically at this time- while the investigation continues.
Alec Don, chief executive of the Port of Milford Haven, which owns and operates Pembroke Port, said in a printed statement: “This is a most tragic incident, and on behalf of all my colleagues at the Port I would like to extend our most heartfelt and deepest sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of the man who died.”
"Whilst he was not employed by the Port of Milford Haven, I am certain everyone who works in the close knit community in and around Pembroke Port will be deeply saddened by the news of his death.”
UPDATE
We have since learnt that the man Stephen Greenaway, fell from an 80ft platform and understand that he was wearing a harness but had not attached the lanyard and was catapulted out of the basket. We are still waiting on details which those involved are reluctant to give.
UPDATE Two
It turns out that two men were working from the platform and it was mounted on a telehandler and was not a boom lift. The basket cought up on something as the driver reversed away from the work area when it broke free the catapult effect threw the two of them out of the platform. Greenaway died while his colleague survived.
Greenaway was working for Advance Door Engineering which had been contracted by Shufflebottom Ltd to fabricate and install roller shutter doors on a slipway building. Since the incident Advance has been liquidated while Shufflebottom was fined £125,000 plus costs of £43,000.
Vertikal Comment
Working at height carries enormous risk, using aerial work platforms designed for the job cuts that risk to minimal levels when used as intended by a properly trained person.
We do not know for sure yet what happened in this case but it highlights the Importance of treating work at height seriously, using the right machine for the job, the right safety equipment and knowing how to use the equipment properly.
Paul the Platform Jockey
Quite right Mr. Editor, I am saddened to hear of yet another Tragic event, my thoughts are with the Family and Friends of the deceased.
However, on the face of the evidence presented in this report, perhaps a preventable one this time?
I would love to be able to bottle "common sense" and sell it, and not just to those in our industry.
Only too well do I appreciate that we are all under pressure to "Get it Done!" sadly sometimes corners get cut, and most Guys, Tradesmen, and Professional Operators, usually have a Good Heart, and want to be as helpful as Possible. Please Guys, STOP and THINK, there are times when you have to be strong enough to stand up and say NO!
Yes, you want to "Get it Done" ..... Providing it is SAFE TO DO SO!........ Risk Assessments and Method Statements are not just paperwork to give you a hard time, THEY ARE THERE TO MAKE YOU THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT TO ACHIVE, and HOW BEST TO DO IT....... SAFELY!
Sorry, guys n' Gals, I do get a little carried away when I read about such Tragedies :-(