HSE publishes report following investigation of construction worker death

E100:06 9 October 2006

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a report on its investigation into the death of a construction worker killed by a falling load. HSE's findings raise an issue for those undertaking routine examination and inspection of lifting tackle in respect of components that are not visible unless dismantled.

The report presents key findings from HSE's extensive investigation into the death of Sam Ball, a 21 year-old construction worker, at a Hertfordshire construction site in January 2002. Mr Ball was fatally injured when a concrete beam that fell from a mobile crane struck him. The report is available on HSE's website at: www.hse.gov.uk/construction/fatalinjreport.pdf

Forensic investigation by the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) established that a pin forming part of the lifting tackle had fractured in two places and become dislodged, causing one end of the lifting frame to drop.

Dave Rothery, Head of Operations (London, East and South East) at HSE's Construction Division said: "The fundamental cause of the incident was the failure of the pin, which was defective. HSE's enquiries revealed that the South African-based manufacturer/supplier company was no longer trading and, therefore, that legal proceedings would not be possible.

"However, the investigation findings raise a wider issue for consideration by those undertaking routine examination of lifting tackle and HSE is publishing this report with a view to raising awareness of the circumstances leading to Sam Ball's death and, in particular, the implications .

"We advise that where lifting tackle components are not visible, the competent person undertaking the examination should give careful consideration to the circumstances in which such components should be removed for examination or routinely replaced. Lifting equipment manufacturers and suppliers should provide information on this subject to their customers."

Notes to editors

1. The use of lifting equipment is governed by the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). Generally, the Regulations require that lifting equipment provided for use at work is: strong and stable enough for the intended use and marked to indicate safe working loads; positioned and installed to minimise any risks; used safely, i.e. work is planned, organised and performed by competent people; and subject to ongoing thorough examination and, where, appropriate, inspection by competent people.
2. Lifting equipment includes any equipment used for at work for lifting or lowering loads, including attachments used for anchoring, fixing or supporting them. LOLER covers a wide range of equipment including cranes; lift trucks, hoists, and mobile elevating work platforms, plus accessories such as chains, slings, eyebolts etc.
3. Further information on LOLER can be found on HSE's website (see below).

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