Case Study 40: Blind Lift, Distraction, and Scaffold Tube Drop

Incident Overview

A scaffold-experienced slinger was carrying out a blind lift from Level 4 using a tower crane to lift

scaffold tubes. During the lift, he became distracted by a personal phone conversation. Stop

instructions were delayed, resulting in the load striking surrounding scaffold and falling to the

concrete floor, where the tubes embedded themselves for several hours.

What Went Wrong

The lift required full attention, but distraction and overconfidence compromised control. The load

had been slung using a single choke on long scaffold tubes.

Key Lessons Learned

- Blind lifts demand full concentration

- Distraction is a critical hazard

- Poor slinging increases consequences

Safety Recommendations

Personal distractions must be prohibited during lifting operations. Blind lifts must be properly

planned, slung, and supervised at all times.

●LOLER 1998 – Regulation 4 (Strength and stability); Regulation 8 (Organisation and supervision)

●PUWER 1998 – Regulation 4 (Suitability); Regulation 9 (Training and competence)

●BS 7121-1 – Blind lifts, communication, slinging methods, and supervision

●BS 7121-3 – Tower crane operations and control of loads out of view of the operator

●Site rules / behavioural safety policies – Control of personal distractions during lifting

Wolf Lifting Dynamics Limited – Safety HUB | Case Study 40

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