Fatalities caused by crane collapse following metal fatigue
The UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has published information on a crane hire company that was fined following an incident that led to the death of two men as a crane collapsed.
A worker died after falling from the crane as it collapsed. The crane fell onto a member of the public, killing him also. Sections of the tower crane separated when 24 bolts failed due to metal fatigue. The 24 bolts were a significant safety feature on the crane’s slew ring, which connected the mast (tower) to the slew turret. This allows the arms of the crane (jib) to rotate through 360 degrees. When the bolts failed the slew turret and jib separated from the mast and fell to the ground.
A similar earlier incident, when the bolts failed on the same crane and had to be replaced, had not been investigated by the crane company. The company was found to have an inadequate system to manage the inspection and maintenance of their cranes. Further information can be found at press.hse.gov.uk/2016/national-crane-company-fined-750000-for-two-deaths-after-collapse/?ebul=hsegen&cr=2/21-mar-16
Members may wish to review the following similar incident:
Safety Event
Published: 6 May 2016
Download: 
IMCA SF 12/16
IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding [email protected] to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.
IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.