Company fined £750,000 by HSE after crane collapse in Falmouth

A company has been fined after a crane collapsed at Falmouth Docks, putting more than 250 workers on site at risk.

A major incident was declared by emergency services following the collapse of A&P Falmouth on 10 May 2017.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that A&P Falmouth had failed to properly maintain the crane.

A&P Falmouth Limited was fined £750,000 and ordered to pay £26,792.30 in costs at Truro Crown Court on Friday, the HSE said.

A&P Falmouth, of Wagonway Road, Hebburn, Tyne and Wear, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) and Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act.

Although the crane was examined by a third party, its recommendations on defects were not followed by A&P Falmouth, the HSE said.

There were approximately 258 workers on site at the time of the collapse.

HSE Inspector Melissa Lai-Hung said: “This was a very serious incident and it is fortunate that no one was injured or killed as a result of this catastrophic failure at Falmouth Docks.

“We thoroughly investigated this incident and found that A&P Falmouth Limited’s maintenance system was not effective in preventing the crane from collapsing.

“This case not only highlights the importance of regular proactive maintenance, but also inspection of lifting equipment.”