Case Study 98: 12-Yard Skip Drop. Skip Ejected During Mechanical Handling

30d (edited) • Equipment& Load Control Issues

Incident Overview

HSE describes an incident where failure of a hookloader lifting arm led to the skip disconnecting and being ejected, fatally injuring a worker. This is a lifting/handling interface failure with the same end result: a heavy container becomes uncontrolled.

What Went Wrong

Mechanical failure occurred during handling

Unsafe operating method contributed (jogging/shock actions)

People were exposed within the hazard zone

Key Lessons Learned

“Container handling” is still lifting risk

Mechanical failures need strict exclusion zones

Shock actions multiply failure likelihood

Safety Recommendations

Maintain hookloader lifting systems, ban “jogging” methods, keep people out of the hazard zone, and treat container ejection as a catastrophic foreseeable risk.

Incident source

HSE guidance example on skip ejection after lifting arm failure.

hse.gov.uk

●LOLER Reg. 4 – Loads must remain secure.

●LOLER Reg. 8 – Lifting must be controlled and supervised.

●PUWER Reg. 5 – Mechanical systems must be maintained.

●BS 7121-1 – Containers/skips must be handled safely.

Key point

Ejection risk is foreseeable and fatal.

Wolf Lifting Dynamics – Safe Lifting UK | Case Study 98

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