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Court told ’management vacuum’ and ‘mistake’ led to two deaths

The trial of two companies arising from the collapse of a tower crane in Worthing in 2005 is in progress at Chichester Crown Court. Two workmen fell to their deaths when a colleague mistakenly loosened bolts during dismantling of the crane that had been used for construction work at a school in Worthing.

In opening the case the court heard that the person in charge of health and safety at the site was sick. Crown barrister Nigel Lithman told the court: “in his absence there was nobody to perform the role ….. and there was a management vacuum.” The trial of Eurolift (Tower Cranes) Ltd and WD Bennett Plant and Services Ltd continues.

This article was posted on 17th March 2009 in ALL LATEST NEWS, PROSECUTIONS, lifting operations.
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