Crane hire firm fined for safety failings
A Bridgend crane hire firm has been fined for failing to make adequate provisions for safe work at height.
Pyle-based RW Christopher Crane Hire Ltd was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after an investigation identified issues with risk assessments and systems of work; and the availability of suitable fall arrest or restraint equipment.
Inspectors also found there was no training or instruction given to workers required to operate at height, and the company was lacking basic procedures and policies covering such work.
The failings came to light after HSE attended an incident in Cardiff on 1 October 2012. During stowing of a mobile crane jib by RW Christopher Crane Hire Ltd employees, it fell and hit a colleague who was working close to the crane, causing injuries to his back and ribs.
Cardiff Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday (10 September) that there was no evidence to link the company’s failings to the incident.
RW Christopher Crane Hire Ltd, of Village Farm Road, Pyle, Bridgend, was fined £6,000 and ordered to pay £1,904 in costs after pleading guilty to breaching Section 2(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
After the hearing, HSE inspector Steve Richardson, said:
“Falls from height account for over half of all fatal incidents in the construction industry. Work at height on cranes is recognised by the industry as being high risk and must be carefully planned and properly managed by trained and competent people with the correct equipment.”