Member of the public killed following unplanned movement of an unsecured load
What happened?
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.
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. It subsequently rolled down, 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.
Members may wish to refer to:
Safety Event
Published: 24 July 2020
Download: IMCA SF 22/20
IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding safetyreports@imca-int.com to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.
IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.