![PP Construction Safety logo and link to home page [1]](http://www.ppconstructionsafety.com/wp-content/themes/ppcs960/images/ppcslogo.jpg)
Damaged cable caused fatal uncovenanted movement of lift
J Brown Services Ltd has been ordered to pay £45,000 in fines and prosecution costs after a fitter was crushed to death in a lift accident.
The workman was completing installation of a new lift on a site near Oxford St London. He was working alone on the lift’s wiring while standing on the roof of the lift car at an office building.
The cable of a control used to move the lift was severed when it became wrapped around a bolt protruding from the lift shaft wall. This led to a rogue command being sent to the lift’s controller causing the lift to start moving upwards.
Workman and assistant lacked relevant experience
Mr Bates became trapped between the top of the lift car and the top of the doorway as it travelled upwards, suffering fatal crush injuries.
HSE Inspector Kevin Shorten said: “Neither Mr Bates, nor his assistant Liam Brown, had experience of installing the type of lift control system being fitted at the site.
“The tragic events at Woodstock Street illustrate the critical importance of having sufficient protective features within a control system.
Just one fault sent this lift out of control. Completed lifts have many protective features and this principle cannot be ignored when lifts are being constructed. That is why the permanent car top controls should be used whenever possible, rather than temporary ones.”