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Crane firm fined for health and safety failures

A crane firm has been fined £18,000 and ordered to pay £15,837 in costs after health and safety failures led to a four-tonne load crashing to the ground.

Norman Macritchie, an inspector from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), stated that it was a "matter of good fortune" that no one was hurt in the accident, as it occurred close to a footpath.

London Tower Crane Hire and Sales pleaded guilty to breaking health and safety regulations in the incident, which happened at Hertfordshire Regional College in Turnford, that was damaged as a result.

Mr Macritchie added that firms have a duty to plan health and safety procedures properly.

"Maintenance staff had identified safety-critical faults in the crane yet simple controls needed to prevent use of defective equipment were not implemented," he said.

Earlier this year, Rossendale Group was fined £10,000 for health and safety failings after a load fell from a crane, narrowly missing its operator.

Quantum Risk Management is a leading Health and Safety consultant  

Posted on 19/08/2010

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