Worker crushed by dropped/falling object
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 September 2017
- Generated on 17 February 2026
- IMCA SF 22/17
- 1 minute read
A load fell from the top of a double-decked trailer onto a worker, causing life-changing injuries. His employer was prosecuted by the UK HSE and fined.
What happened?
The employee was injured when a piece of metal ducting, six metres long and weighing 28 kg, fell from the top deck of a trailer, hitting him on his head.
The blow caused serious, life changing injuries, including a fractured skull.
What went wrong? What were the causes?
Investigation by the UK HSE found that:
- Whilst the company had developed systems and procedures for unloading of trailers at depots, these had not been implemented at this site.
- Employees were not properly informed about pedestrian and vehicle segregation rules, and little was done about these rules not being followed.
An HSE Inspector said: “This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply implementing suitable control measures and safe working practices. The company itself had identified and easily implemented the necessary measures after this tragic event.”
Related safety flashes
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IMCA SF 19/14
18 December 2014
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