HSE Inspector Neil Jamieson, who investigated the incident, said: “The company’s managing director Frank Preston had estimated the weight of the tower at about six tonnes, but its actual weight was more than double that figure.
“It is essential that for all lifting operations, proper planning – including careful assessment of the ground conditions and appropriate methods of work – should be adopted. It is fortunate in this case that nobody was hurt, but there was the potential for fatalities.”
Though parked on a tarmac surface, the crane’s outriggers were positioned on soft ground, and the crane overturned whilst attempting to lift a 23 metre long steel chimney stack from the outside wall of a brick clad machinery room that was about to be refurbished, the HSE said. The stack fell next to the boom of the crane. No one was injured, but the crane’s cab crushed an adjacent electricity sub station and in subsequent days the crane’s diesel and hydraulic tanks leaked out, contaminating a local stream.
Cheshire Crane Hire Ltd pleaded guilty to a breach of Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act (HSWA) in that it failed to ensure the safety of its employee.
Inspector Jamieson also said: “Preston also failed to explain the type of contract to his client, nor did he ask him to sign any papers, which is essential good practice.”
When contacted by Cranes Today, Frank Preston said he felt the ruling was unfair. “I’m not very happy about it. I know a couple of crane hire companies who have cranes that overturned, and the HSE has not even been out to investigate because nobody was hurt.
“I only pleaded guilty because my solicitor said that it would cost too much to fight it. As far as I’m concerned it’s an accident, that’s it. I’ve been driving cranes for 40 years, and on this occasion got it wrong.”
Cheshire Crane Hire runs six cranes out of its Nant Road, Connah’s Quay, Flintshire depot.
