Member of the public was killed following unplanned movement of an unsecured load
- Safety Flash
- Published on 24 July 2020
- Generated on 15 August 2025
- IMCA SF 22/20
- 1 minute read
The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) fined a company after it caused the death of a child when he was trapped between an unsecured pole and a fence.
What happened?
An employee delivered an overhead power pole to a roadside verge location, and left the pole unsecured [IMCA emphasis] at the top of an embankment.
The pole subsequently rolled down the embankment, trapping a 12-year-old child between it and a fence, causing fatal injuries.
What went wrong?
- There was a failure to provide a safe system of work for the delivery and storage of the poles.
- There was a failure to provide suitable training, information and instruction to employees engaged in their tasks.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 08/18
11 April 2018
-
-
IMCA SF 19/16
12 July 2016
-
IMCA SF 14/11
23 December 2011
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.