Metal firm in court after worker gets hit by crane

METAL finishing firm Leeds Galvanising & Powder Coating Hire has been fined after a worker was seriously injured after a crane malfunction.

The employee suffered two broken ribs, fractured his pelvis and punctured a lung after the incident in 2014 at the Albion Business Park.

He was one of three working in the area, and was operating a pendant controlled, semi-goliath crane. The metal products held by the crane hit the floor, and the jig was lifted off the hook as it had not been provided with a safety catch.

The end of the jig came free and swung down, hitting the employee, who had to undergo six months of physiotherapy following treatment for his injuries.

A similar incident had occurred in 2011, and the firm pleaded guilty to breaching use of equipment regulations. It was fined £13,000 with full costs.

HSE inspector Kate Dixon said:”Lifting operations can put workers at serious risk of injury if they’re not carried out properly, as well as incurring significant costs when they go wrong. It is therefore important to provide suitable equipment for the task, and properly plan lifting operations before work commences to ensure it is done safely.

“In this case the accident was easily preventable. By failing to provide lifting equipment with working safety catches, a worker suffered serious injuries and other employees were also put at risk.”