27.12.2007
Crane accident leads to foot loss
A construction worker lost his foot after his leg was crushed under a lamp post in Westminster.
The worker was hit in July 2005 after a mobile crane on the site struck the post.
It fell on top of the worker's lower leg, resulting in him later having his foot amputated.
The Health and Safety Executive found adjustments had not been made to take account of the lamp post's position.
As a result, the mobile crane struck the post, which shattered and fell on the worker.
Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd (SRM), based in Hemel Hempstead, was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay £12,526 costs, at a sentencing hearing at the Old Bailey after admitting breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Monica Babb, HSE inspector, said: "Crane operations can present serious risks and it is therefore essential that crane installation is properly planned and implemented.
"Management systems should be clear so that a safe system of work is employed and incidents such as this are avoided."
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