Worker seriously injured when 1 tonne load fell on him
- Safety Flash
- Published on 12 July 2016
- Generated on 14 March 2026
- IMCA SF 19/16
- 1 minute read
The UK Health and Safety Executive (UK HSE) has successfully prosecuted a cargo handling company after an employee suffered serious injury when a sheet of marble weighing one tonne fell on him.
What happened?
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.
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 the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is 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.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.