In a landmark legal proceeding, a significant fine has been imposed on a port operator due to a major safety oversight.
- A crane malfunction at Falmouth Dock in May 2017 led to an avoidable incident, raising serious safety concerns.
- The Health & Safety Executive concluded that the incident was the result of inadequate equipment maintenance.
- A&P Falmouth was found guilty of breaching crucial Health and Safety regulations.
- The company has been fined £750,000 and must also cover additional legal costs.
In a landmark decision, A&P Falmouth, the entity responsible for operating Falmouth Dock, has been ordered to pay a substantial fine following a crane collapse in May 2017. This incident was deemed a major failure of industrial safety protocols and has now resulted in the company facing legal repercussions for its oversight.
Emergency services were put on high alert when a jib crane began descending uncontrollably while positioned above the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Tidespring. The operator managed to avert disaster by moving the crane away from the vessel and over the dockside before it ultimately collapsed, with its jib crashing onto a cage of acetylene cylinders. This quick response was crucial in preventing potential casualties as more than 250 people were at risk, necessitating an evacuation of the area.
The Health & Safety Executive’s investigation highlighted a critical lapse in A&P Falmouth’s maintenance regime. Although the crane had undergone a mandatory examination by a third-party, essential recommendations to address identified defects were overlooked. Consequently, the prosecution demonstrated that these omissions were in direct violation of Section 2(1) and Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
Truro Crown Court underscored the severity of A&P Falmouth’s neglect by imposing a £750,000 fine, alongside court costs amounting to £26,792.30. This legal judgment, delivered on 11th October 2024, marked a decisive moment, transpiring seven and a half years post-incident. HSE inspector Melissa Lai-Hung reinforced the gravity of this case, stating that it was merely fortuitous that no injuries or fatalities occurred, and emphasised the necessity for diligent maintenance and thorough inspection of lifting equipment.
This significant legal outcome serves as a critical warning to ensure stringent maintenance protocols.
