A failure to plan for the correct procedure of lifting structured insulated panels led to a construction worker being hospitalised for nearly two weeks
Two North East companies have been fined after a fallen panel left a construction worker hospitalised for 13 days.
The man was working as a lift supervisor at a construction site at Eskdale Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle, on 22 January 2020.
He had been using a tower crane to lift a structured insulated panel (SIP). During the lifting operation, the SIP struck steelwork and fell on top of the worker, fracturing his collarbone, shoulder blade, left ankle and left rib. The panel weighed roughly equivalent to the average giant panda.
The incident was due to a lack of proper planning and monitoring
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that principal contractor Tolent Construction Limited had failed to properly plan, manage and monitor the construction phase.
This resulted in a failure to ensure a suitable and sufficient lift plan was in place for the lifting of individual SIPs. The lift plan crucially failed to stipulate how the individual SIPs were to be safely lifted- and failed to consider proximity hazards or how the SIPs would be adequately controlled during the lifting operation.
HSE’s investigation also identified Clad Build UK Limited (trading as SIP Build UK), as the contractor responsible for the design, supply and installation of the SIPs.
Clad Build UK Limited failed to plan, manage and monitor the work or to provide the necessary information and instruction to workers on how to prepare the SIPs for lifting.
Clad Build UK Limited also failed to ensure effective supervision and monitoring of work being undertaken by a sub-contractor working under its control and to comply with requests for information from the principal contractor.
As the use of SIPs increases, contractors must be aware of proper methods of installation
Tolent Construction Limited of Grey Street, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to contravening Regulation 13 (1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. The company was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £8,468.50 in costs at Newcastle Crown Court on 17 April 2023.
Clad Build UK Limited of Foxbridge Way, Normanton Industrial Estate, Normanton, West Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to contravening Regulation 15 (2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. The company was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay £45,000 in costs at Newcastle Crown Court on 17 April 2023.
HSE inspector Stuart Whitesmith said: “HSE will not hesitate to take enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards. This case should raise awareness of the dangers of failing to properly plan and safely carry out this type of lifting operation. SIPs are increasingly used in the construction industry and all contractors should be aware of the need to suitably plan, manage and monitor their safe installation.”
