Worker killed when struck by a load on a moving crane
- Safety Flash
- Published on 15 January 2016
- Generated on 19 February 2026
- IMCA SF 02/16
- 1 minute read
The UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has published the following information regarding an incident where a worker was killed when he was struck on the head by a load on a moving crane.
What happened?
The incident occurred in a foundry when the worker was helping move a crucible from a re-melt furnace. The crucible had been lifted using an overhead crane and moved approximately 10m to where the worker loosened the bolts around the crucible. The crane operator waited for acknowledgment to proceed and lifted the load around 60cm higher before continuing movement. The crane operator saw the worker in the path of the load and shouted a warning while stopping the movement of the crane. The crane stopped but the load swung forward hitting the person on the right side of the head, causing fatal injuries.
This image (UK HSE) shows a similar load
An investigation revealed the following:
- The company had held no review of risk assessments and safe systems of work for a number of years.
- Crane operators had received no refresher training for years.
- Training for new employees was not adequate.
Related Safety Flashes
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IMCA SF 19/14
18 December 2014
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