Excavator Accident

Three companies have been fined a total of £18,700 after a foreman of a construction site was killed when an excavator bucket filled with concrete fell on him.

A 12 tonne excavator being driven by a colleague when the excavator bucket fell from it’s arm, crushing the foreman.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that one of the responsible parties had failed to insert a pin which was required to keep the bucket in place. It was also found that the three companies had failed to take reasonable care for the health and safety of their employees.

The case illustrates both the need for an adequate system of inspection and the catastrophic consequences which can result from falling objects in a workplace.

We have previously written about Regulation 13 of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 which intends to afford employees protection from such occurrences. It is the duty of all employers to take suitable and effective measures to prevent any person falling a distance or being struck by a falling object likely to cause personal injury.

If you have had an accident at work Gregory Abrams Davidson Solicitors specialise in Employer’s Liability Law and can advise you. Please contact us on the above number.