An engineering company based in East Kilbride, have been fined after a worker was struck on the head and killed during a lifting operation using a sideloader.
James Longair was assisting a colleague operating a sideloader to move pipes from one side of the yard to another on the site of IODS Pipe Cad Limited. When completing the task, the two workers decided that a pipe should be lifted at one end by use of a sideloader. Once lifted, the pipe rolled off the forks of the sideloader, hitting Mr Longair on the leg. Upon falling, the pipe hit a wooden bearer throwing it into the air, striking Mr Longair on the head.
The Health and Safety Executive’s investigation following the incident on 7th September 2017, found there was no safe system of work in place for moving and lifting pipes. It was also noted that as the pipes were not secured to the forks, the operator did not have full control of the load, which resulted in the load falling.
Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Martin McMahon said: “This tragic incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices.”
IODS Pipe Cad Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, receiving a fine of £60,000.
Source: SHP Online, Employee killed by falling wooden bearer, 20th September 2019. Read the full article.