Liverpool crane death shows construction industry risks

The case of a Polish worker killed by a falling crane last year has again hit the headlines after the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued a warning to all crane operators of the potential risks posed to all construction workers from falling objects on building sites in the UK.

The HSE’s update on the case, issued this month, highlights the dangers that objects falling off cranes pose to those working underneath. In this case a section of concrete counterweight which fell from a crane in central Liverpool killed a Polish construction worker who was working on a building site underneath the crane. 

The investigation found that, even though the appropriate safety features to prevent such an accident were in place, a freak gust of wind had caused some of the ropes at the top of the 39m high crane to come loose, unbalancing the whole structure and causing it’s collapse. Whilst the crane driver fortunately suffered only minor injuries, those on the ground were not so lucky, with tonnes of concrete counterweights falling onto nearby buildings. 

In their update, the HSE show that whilst the crane was operating within its limits in terms of the wind speed at the time of the accident, and the load it was carrying, it was still susceptible to a sudden gust of wind which would go unnoticed by any of its weather monitoring devices. In light of this work accident, the HSE are reviewing all safety procedures related to this type of crane, and are undertaking research into the effects of wind on tall cranes.

As well as dealing with no win no fee personal injury claims, Camps Solicitors can also offer expert legal advice to people injured in accidents at work, including accidents on construction sites. Our personal injury solicitors can draw on years of experience to ensure you get the best possible deal when it comes to claiming your compensation.  To speak with a personal injury solicitor please call Camps Solicitors today on Freephone 0800 092 8586.