A specialist heavy lifting company has been fined more than £33,000 after two workers fell from a crane during its assembly, with one seriously injured.
Osprey Heavy Lift Limited, of Portishead, in Bristol, pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, on Tuesday (7 November).
It follows an investigation into an incident on 19 January 2021 when two Osprey employees fell from a crane assembly at the Port of Blyth, Northumberland, due to the partial collapse of a platform.
The investigation, by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), found Osprey had failed to properly plan the lift and unsuitable lifting accessories were used.
And, despite both men using safety equipment, suitable anchor points for operatives using fall arrest equipment were not identified and there was no consideration of fall distances, said the HSE.
Osprey also failed to provide appropriate instructions and information for working at height and lifting operations.
One worker sustained serious injuries including fractured ribs, a right wrist, and eye socket.
Osprey was fined £24,000 and ordered to pay costs of £9,136.
“Companies who undertake crane assembly work must properly plan lifting activities and work at height, making certain the equipment selected is suitable for the task,” said HSE inspector, Clare Maltby.
“All organisations undertaking lifting and work at height must ensure work is properly planned, and the correct equipment is selected.
“Workers should be provided with adequate health and safety information and instructions.”
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