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UK HSE: Employee fatally injured while moving heavy equipment

The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has fined a company an employee was fatally injured while moving heavy machinery. Press release here.

What happened

Workers were moving a large and heavy milling machine using a forklift and machine-moving skates. During the work the machine became unstable and toppled over onto one of the workers, causing fatal head injuries.

What went wrong?

Investigation found that company had failed to:

  • Assess and plan the task of moving the machine;
  • Determine a safe system of work;
  • Provide clear instructions to the workers;
  • Supervise the activity.

In addition, the skates used were not adequately maintained nor subject to a suitable inspection programme to ensure that they were safe to use. The inspector noted that “the lifting and movement of heavy machinery is a specialist and often complex task requiring significant planning, expertise, knowledge and specialist equipment to ensure the risks are controlled.”

Members may wish to review the following similar incidents:

Safety Event

Published: 13 September 2021
Download: IMCA SF 25/21

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