Page 1742 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

Safety, Health, Environmental & Quality Bulletin No 661

28 February 2019

Hiab Loading Fatality

Two companies have recently been fined after a worker helping to load a hiab died when the load fell
off the hiab bed and crushed him.

The 37-year-old worker, Andrew Bowes, a metal fabricator, was assisting the loading of two large
metal walkways onto the hiab bed. The first walkway had been loaded but had not been secured. As
the hiab crane moved to pick up the second walkway a sling became snagged on the first walkway
causing it to fall off the hiab bed and onto Mr Bowes. He suffered fatal crush injuries as a result. Mr
Bowes had only worked for the company for a week.

The company employed to carry out the lift was fined £60,000 plus costs of £27,464.28. The metal
fabrication company was fined £20,000 plus £27,211.09. Mr Bowes lost his life.

The investigation found that the lifting company failed to properly plan the lifting operation and failed
to recognise the risks involved in the complex lift. The metal fabrication company was found to have
failed to supervise the lifting operation and failed to ensure the safety of their employee.

We regularly carry out lifting operations as part of our works, it is essential that a comprehensive lifting
plan is produced, and it is followed.

During lifting operations, ensure all personnel not directly involved in the lift are outside the work area.
People involved in the lift must discuss the lift plan before the lifting operation and stay out of the line
of fire should the load unexpectedly move.

Always ensure loads are stable and secure, even if they are only there temporarily.

See more details on this incident at http://press.hse.gov.uk/2019/02/06/companies-fined-after-worker-
killed-during-lifting-operation/

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