METAL firm ATI Speciality Materials has been fined £160,000 after a worker was killed at its Sheffield factory.
Sheffield Magistrates’ Court heard how 47-year-old Nigel Hall was hit by a load on a moving crane in an incident four years ago.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the company had not reviewed risk assessments and safe systems of work for nine years. Many employees who operated cranes had received no refresher training for between 6-10 years and the training programme for new starters was inadequate.
“This loss of life could have been entirely prevented,” said HSE Inspector Carol Downes. “Employers have a duty to ensure safe systems of work are continually reviewed when there are significant changes in the way work is carried out. Working practices should be clear, safe and properly communicated to employees.”
Mr Hall had been assisting in the moving of a crucible from a re-melt furnace. The crucible had been lifted using an overhead crane and moved approximately 10 yards to where he loosened the bolts around the crucible. The crane operator waited for Mr Hall’s acknowledgment to proceed and lifted the crucible a couple of feet higher before pressing the southbound button.
The crane operator saw Mr Hall in the path of the crucible and shouted a warning while stopping the movement of the crane. The crane stopped but the load swung forward hitting Mr Hall on the right side of the head. He was taken to Northern General hospital where he was pronounced dead.
