In a recent incident at the Port of Blyth, Northumberland, two employees of Osprey Heavy Lift Limited fell from height during the assembly of a crane, resulting in serious injuries. Following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the company has been fined £24,000 and ordered to pay costs of £9,136 after pleading guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
The incident, which occurred on January 19, 2021, involved the partial collapse of a platform that was being installed using lifting chains. The platform had four lifting chains, each equipped with a hook and safety clasp. Initially, hooks were looped over metal lugs on the platform to lift it into position. When the workers removed two lifting chains near the crane structure to attach the other side to the crane pendants, the remaining chains came loose, causing one side of the platform to fall to the ground.
Despite both workers using safety equipment, they both fell from the platform. One operative suffered severe injuries, including fractures to ribs, right wrist, and eye socket, after falling approximately four meters to the ground below.
The subsequent HSE investigation uncovered multiple safety failures on the part of Osprey Heavy Lift Limited. The company had failed to adequately plan the lift and had used unsuitable lifting accessories. Furthermore, they did not identify suitable anchor points for fall arrest equipment and failed to consider fall distances. In addition, the company had not provided proper instructions and information for work at height and lifting operations.
The HSE, which provides extensive guidance on working at height and lifting operations, emphasises the importance of proper planning and equipment selection for companies undertaking crane assembly work. HSE inspector Clare Maltby reiterated the need for organisations to ensure that work is properly planned, correct equipment is selected, and workers are provided with adequate health and safety information and instructions.
During the hearing at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on November 7, Osprey Heavy Lift Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The company has been fined £24,000 and ordered to pay costs of £9,136.
