Skip to content

Worker seriously injured when 1 tonne load fell on him

The UK Health and Safety Executive (UKHSE) has successfully prosecuted a cargo handling company after an employee suffered serious injury when a sheet of marble weighing one tonne fell on him. The incident occurred when the worker was assisting a fork lift truck operator to move a one tonne sheet of marble from a container. The marble sheet fell on him, causing him serious and extensive crush injuries to his legs as well as a fractured sternum and severe lacerations to the back of his head.

The HSE investigation found that there was an unsafe system of work being used to move the load.

Further information can be found on the UK HSE’s website at press.hse.gov.uk/2016/company-fined-after-agency-worker-seriously-injured/?ebul=hsegen&cr=6/16-may-16.

IMCA will continue to draw to members’ attention to onshore incidents such as this involving the movement or lifting of heavy loads, working at height, dropped objects, etc. where it is considered that there are lessons to be learned.


IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding [email protected] to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.

IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.

IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.