Worker crushed by dropped/falling object
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 September 2017
- Generated on 13 July 2025
- 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
-
IMCA SF 19/14
18 December 2014
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.