Worker Fractures Twelve Ribs During Pillar Drill Lifting Incident

Brief Summary

An employee suffered multiple rib fractures when a newly purchased pillar drill became unstable and fell during a lift. The Health and Safety Executive found the employer had not carried out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment and had not ensured the lift was planned by a competent person or properly supervised. The case shows failures in basic lifting management can lead to serious injury and enforcement action.

What Was The Incident?

On 24 June 2024 a 36 year old employee was assisting with the lifting of a newly purchased pillar drill at a manufacturing site. The machine weighed about 500 kg and was lifted using a forklift. The load became unstable, fell and struck the employee who sustained multiple rib fractures. The HSE investigation concluded the employer had not carried out a suitable and sufficient assessment of the lifting operation, had not ensured the lift was planned by a competent person, and had not provided appropriate supervision or a safe method of work.

What Was The Outcome?

The employer pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £340,000 and ordered to pay £5,032 in costs on 25 August 2026.

Key Points To Consider

Plan lifting operations with a competent person. Confirm a person with suitable lifting competence prepares and signs off a written lift plan that records the chosen method, equipment and responsibilities before any heavy lift.

Assess and control lifting risks. Carry out a written risk assessment that covers load weight, stability, centre of gravity, lifting points and the suitability of the lifting equipment, and include measures to control the risk of load instability.

Supervise lifts and use appropriate equipment. Make sure lifts are supervised by competent staff, verify operators are trained for the chosen method, and do not rely on a forklift to lift machinery unless it is suitable for that use or supported by certified lifting accessories and a safe method of work.

HSE Prosecution Link