After a crane collapsed in Liverpool two construction firms where prosecuted for their part in the accident. The crane driver has been left paralysed from the waist down and his life has been changed forever. He suffered with a brain haemorrhage, broken shoulder, cracked ribs, fractured skull and crush injuries. The sad news is the accident need not have happened. Construction site safety is essential; it keeps the employees and the public safe from the many risks posed by this industry.
Huge Fine for Failing to Protect Employee
In the case of the collapsed crane the two firms were prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive. The incident was investigated and it was found that Bowmer and Kirkland Ltd and Bingham Davis cut away some vital reinforcement bars in the foundation and replaced them with some rods made from steel. This had weakened the foundation and changed the weights and force that the foundation was able to manage.
The weakened foundation is why the crane collapsed resulting in the serious life changing injuries to the driver. It was only a matter of luck that no one else was hurt. The construction companies were fined for their part in the incident. Bingham Davis is no longer trading and so they were fined £1000. Bowmer and Kirkland were fined £280,000 after being found guilty.
Don’t Put Lives at Risk
Construction site safety is one area which needs to be taken very seriously. If you own a construction firm you must ensure your employees have the right training and that all hazards are managed to reduce the risks. By law you are responsible for the health and safety of your employees and residents. You must have the right training and provide adequate training to everyone on site if you wish to comply with the law, help reduce the risk of injuries to your workforce and help to prevent the Health and Safety Executive prosecuting you either after an incident or after an inspection.
There are many construction site safety training courses such as the SSSTS and the SMSTS courses provided by the CITB. Call 0808 1966 830 and discuss these courses with the experts ready to help advise you on the best courses to take.