Two Workers Plunge in Crane Collapse at Port of Blyth
Disaster struck at Northumberland’s Port of Blyth when two employees of Osprey Heavy Lift Ltd fell from a crane platform that partially collapsed during assembly. Both workers were seriously injured, with one suffering multiple fractures after a four-metre fall. Now the company faces a £24,000 fine and £9,136 in costs after admitting safety breaches.
Platform Collapse Sparks Serious Injuries
The incident happened on January 19, 2021, as staff were fitting a crane using a platform held by lifting chains. The platform was supported by four chains, each with hooks and safety clasps. Workers removed two chains to secure the platform’s other side, but the remaining chains slipped, sending one side crashing to the ground.
Despite wearing safety gear, both employees fell when the platform gave way. One worker sustained broken ribs, a fractured wrist, and eye socket damage after the dramatic four-metre drop.
HSE Slams Osprey Heavy Lift for Safety Failures
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched an investigation exposing glaring failings by Osprey Heavy Lift. The firm had not properly planned the lift, used unsuitable equipment, neglected to pinpoint safe anchor points for fall arrest systems, and ignored essential fall distance assessments.
Crucially, Osprey Heavy Lift failed to provide workers with the necessary instructions or health and safety info for working at height and lifting operations.
HSE Inspector Demands Change
HSE inspector Clare Maltby criticised the company’s sloppy approach. “Organisations must ensure work is properly planned, the right gear is chosen, and workers receive thorough safety instructions,” she said.
Big Fine for Breaching Health and Safety Law
Osprey Heavy Lift pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 during a hearing at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on November 7. The court handed down a £24,000 fine plus £9,136 in costs – a costly lesson on the dangers of cutting safety corners.
