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Worker crushed by dropped/falling object - DEV imca
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Worker crushed by dropped/falling object

What happened?

A load from the top of a double-decked trailer fell onto a worker, causing life-changing injuries. His employer was prosecuted by the UK HSE and fined. See press release on the UK HSE website.

The employee was injured when a piece of metal ducting, six metres long and weighing 28kg, fell from the top deck of a trailer, hitting him on his head. The blow caused serious, life changing injuries, including a fractured skull.

What went wrong? What were the causes?

Investigation by the UK HSE found that:

  • Whilst the company had developed systems and procedures for unloading of trailers at depots, these had not been implemented at this site;
  • Employees were not properly informed about pedestrian and vehicle segregation rules, and little was done about these rules not being followed.

An HSE Inspector said: “This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply implementing suitable control measures and safe working practices. The company itself had identified and easily implemented the necessary measures after this tragic event.”

Members may wish to review the following incident:

Safety Event

Published: 1 September 2017
Download: IMCA SF 22/17

Relevant life-saving rules:
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 safetyreports@imca-int.com 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.