09.10.2006

Construction death highlights routine examinations

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a report on its investigation into the death of a construction worker killed by a falling load.

The report's findings raise an issue for those undertaking routine examination and inspection of lifting tackle in respect of components that are not visible unless dismantled.

The report investigate the death of Sam Ball, a 23 year-old construction worker at a Hertfordshire construction site in January 2002. Mr Ball was fatally injured when a concrete beam that fell from a mobile crane struck him.

Forensic investigation by the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) established that a pin forming part of the lifting tackle had fractured in two places and become dislodged, causing one end of the lifting frame to drop.

Dave Rothery, Head of Operations (London, East and South East) at HSE's Construction Division said: "The fundamental cause of the incident was the failure of the pin, which was was defective. HSE's enquiries revealed that the South African-based manufacturer/supplier company was no longer trading and, therefore, that legal proceedings would not be possible.

"However, the investigation findings raise a wider issue for consideration by those undertaking routine examination of lifting tackle and HSE is publishing this report with a view to raising awareness of the circumstances leading to Sam Ball's death and, in particular, the implications .

"We advise that where lifting tackle components are not visible, the competent person undertaking the examination should give careful consideration to the circumstances in which such components should be removed for examination or routinely replaced. Lifting equipment manufacturers and suppliers should provide information on this subject to their customers."


The report is available on HSE's website at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/fatalinjreport.pdf