03.07.2025

Boom lift fatality in Belgium

A man died yesterday after being thrown from a boom lift in the town of Harelbeke near Kortrijk, in Belgium.

The man, 32, was working from the platform, of what appears to be a Japanese crawler boom lift from the TVH/Mateco fleet working in conjuction with an All Terrain crane, when we understand that a web sling holding the load broke, causing some of the load to be suddenly transferred to the platform, and the man was thrown out of the platform. We have not been able to confirm the precise details 100 percent, but they do corroborate everything else we have learnt.

In a statement the Ghent region labour inspectorate said that it was investigating the incident and that a technical expert had been appointed., adding: "The investigation will focus on various legal obligations related to occupational safety and employee well being."

We understand that the man was employed by a local contractor that is currently erecting an industrial building on the site.

We are trying to gain further clarity so that we might all learn form this, information is still coming in so we will, of course update this as we learn more. We have approached the owner of the boom lift, out of courtesey, although it was not involved at all with the incident a spokesman said: “I cannot add anything to this myself, we only know what has appeared in the press."

As to the failed boom section, this type of failure on a work platform is virtually unheard of, and when it does happen is usually related to a shock impact from an outside source such as being struck by a tree limb or dropped load.

As always anyone with more information can contact us in total confidence at [email protected]