Two companies fined a total of £134,675 after a death during a lifting operation

Two companies were fined a total of £134,675 (inc.costs) following the death of a 37-year-old worker, Andrew Bowes.

The circumstances were:

• Larkin Eng Services Ltd had contracted Cumbria Design Scaffold Ltd to collect two large metal walkways and deliver them to a customer using a flatbed lorry fitted with a mounted crane.
• Cumbria Design Scaffold Ltd had failed to properly plan the lifting operation. 
• The company failed to recognise the risks involved. 
• It did not have a safe system of work for what was a complex lift. 
• Cumbria Design Scaffold Ltd also failed to supervise the lifting operation properly. 
• As a consequence, the lifting operation was poorly organised and controlled, placing those in the immediate vicinity at significant risk
• On 12 March 2012 Mr Bowes, a metal fabricator, was directed to assist with the lifting operation by his employer.
• Mr Bowes had only been working for the company a week.
• The first walkway had been lifted onto the back of the lorry but was not fastened down.
• As the crane moved to pick up the second walkway, a sling became snagged on the first walkway, causing it to tip over and fall from the back of the lorry onto Mr Bowes 
• Mr Bowes  sustained fatal crush injuries.
• Cumbria Design Scaffold Ltd were fined of £87464 (inc.costs).
• Larkin Eng Services Ltd were fined £47211(inc.costs).

The HSE inspector said:“Companies should always ensure that lifting operations are properly planned, organised and conducted safely. Had this lifting operation been properly planned and supervised, then this tragedy could have been averted. HSE will take enforcement action against both clients and contractors who fail to meet the required standards.”