Member of the public was killed following unplanned movement of an unsecured load
- Safety Flash
- Published on 24 July 2020
- Generated on 13 November 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
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IMCA SF 08/18
11 April 2018
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IMCA SF 19/16
12 July 2016
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IMCA SF 14/11
23 December 2011
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