‘Lifting capacities exist for a reason’, HSE warns

An HSE investigation found the chains were only designed to carry 17t, while the crane had a lifting capacity of 27t. The failure occurred when a 31t load was lifted.

Martin Paren, HSE investigating inspector, said, “A worker has been badly injured as a result of this completely avoidable incident, but the consequences could have easily been catastrophic. It’s incredible no one was killed.

“Mitras regularly expected workers to lift loads well over the lifting capacities of both the chains and the overhead crane. It was only a matter of time before something went wrong, which is why Mitras Automotive is in court today.

“Lifting capacities exist for a reason and it’s vital that manufacturers who use overhead cranes make sure employees aren’t put at risk from falling loads.”