A company has been fined after a crane collapsed at its site on Falmouth Docks, putting more than 250 people at risk.
Emergency services declared a major incident following the collapse at A&P Falmouth on 10 May 2017 with the surrounding area being evacuated and cordoned off.
The crane had been operating above Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ship, Tidespring, when the driver noticed the jib was descending uncontrollably.
The driver managed to move the crane away from RFA Tidespring and over the dockside before it collapsed, with the jib landing on a cage of acetylene cylinders.
There were approximately 258 workers on site at the time.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found A&P Falmouth had failed to properly maintain the crane. Although the crane had been examined by a third-party, its recommendations regarding defects were not acted on by A&P Falmouth.
HSE guidance can be found at: Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) (hse.gov.uk)
A&P Falmouth Limited, of Wagonway Road, Hebburn, Tyne and Wear pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) and Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £750,000 and ordered to pay £26,792.30 in costs at Truro Crown Court on 11 October 2024.
HSE inspector Melissa Lai-Hung said: “This was a very serious incident and it is fortunate nobody was injured or killed as a result of this catastrophic failure at Falmouth Docks.
“We thoroughly investigated this incident and found that A&P Falmouth Limited’s system of maintenance was not effective in preventing the collapse of the crane.
“This case not only highlights the importance of regular proactive maintenance but also the inspection of lifting equipment. Companies looking for advice in these areas can find readily-available and free guidance on the HSE website.”
This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Vicki Hanstock and supported by HSE paralegal officer David Shore.
Notes to editors:
- The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places, and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.
- More information about the legislation referred to in this case is available.
- Further details on the latest HSE news releases is available.
- HSE does not pass sentences, set guidelines or collect any fines imposed. Relevant sentencing guidelines must be followed unless the court is satisfied that it would be contrary to the interests of justice to do so. The sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences can be found here.