A contractor has been fined for safety failings after a worker was killed when a load fell from a tower crane…
Fines have been levied at a contractor for safety failings that led to the death of a worker. The incident occurred on 8 January 2014 in Colchester at a site managed by principal contractor Urban Summit Construction Ltd.
According to the investigation a load became detached from the site’s tower crane and landed on the banksman who was in charge of the operation. Mr David Holloway, 35, died on the site after sustaining significant injuries.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the company had failed to ensure lifting operations were conducted safely and brought a case against Urban Summit Construction Ltd.
Urban Summit Construction Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching lifting regulations and was fined £15,000, as well as ordered to pay £29,127 in costs.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector David King said: “It is essential that lifting operations are carried out in a safe manner, to help ensure the lift is carried out without risk to those in the area.
“Lifting operations must be properly planed by a competent person, carried out by adequately trained persons, and with appropriate supervision.
“Guidance on carrying out lifting operations safely is freely available on HSE’s website, if this company had properly planned and supervised this work, this tragic incident could have been avoided”
