Overview
On the evening of Thursday 21st July 2022 works were being undertaken on the Gatwick Station Project to install lift shafts.
The team were laying out several small sections of the steel structure ahead of a possession, to allow them to work efficiently once their possession started and minimise any time pressures.
During the final lift, ahead of the possession, the connection plate at the foot of a glazing frame weighing approximately 500Kg became caught on the underside of a movement joint which was approximately 65mm above the deck.
This resulted in the glazing frame turning and the lifting strop supporting it rapidly snapping due to the continued force from the crane.
This caused the frame to fall which resulted in fatal injuries to the Slinger Signaller.
Discussion points
How are you assuring yourself that:
Lifting operations are adequately planned and associated lift plans clearly identify:
- Methods of slinging
- Exclusion Zones
- Where people are positioned during lifts
The hazards presented by the immediate environment
The lift plans are understood and being worked to, consider:
- Levels of supervision during lifting
- How you test for knowledge to ensure understanding?
- Do you have the right levels of assurance in place?
Reinforce the message that if the lift plan cannot be worked to, things change, or it is not safe – STOP WORK
