The report presents key findings from HSE’s extensive investigation into the death of Sam Ball, a 21 year-old construction worker, at a Hertfordshire construction site in January 2002. Mr Ball was fatally injured when a concrete beam that fell from a mobile crane struck him.
Dave Rothery, Head of Operations (London, East and South East) at HSE’s Construction Division said: “The fundamental cause of the incident was the failure of the pin, which was defective. HSE’s enquiries revealed that the South African-based manufacturer/supplier company was no longer trading and, therefore, that legal proceedings would not be possible.
“However, the investigation findings raise a wider issue for consideration by those undertaking routine examination of lifting tackle and HSE is publishing this report with a view to raising awareness of the circumstances leading to Sam Ball’s death and, in particular, the implications
“We advise that where lifting tackle components are not visible, the competent person undertaking the examination should give careful consideration to the circumstances in which such components should be removed for examination or routinely replaced. Lifting equipment manufacturers and suppliers should provide information on this subject to their customers.”