On 1st July 2024, a tragic incident unfolded at a residential construction site in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway. A 52-year-old HGV driver, Gary Dobinson, lost his life when the mast of a piling rig suddenly collapsed and struck him. The rig was owned by Van Elle Limited, a Nottinghamshire-based engineering and groundworks contractor.
Mr. Dobinson, an employee of a different company, had arrived at the Hallmeadow development off Elm Road on 21st January 2021. His task was to collect and transfer the piling rig. As the mast was being lowered for transportation, it unexpectedly toppled over, causing fatal injuries to Mr. Dobinson. Despite the immediate response of site workers and emergency services, Mr. Dobinson sadly succumbed to his injuries.
A joint investigation by Police Scotland and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that the piling rig had not been adequately maintained. The securing lug for one of the mast’s retaining pins was found to be severely corroded, leading to its failure. This allowed the pin to displace, resulting in the mast’s collapse.
Van Elle Limited, located at Southwell Lane, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, admitted to breaching Regulation 5 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. The company was subsequently fined £233,000 at Dumfries Sheriff Court on 4th June 2024.
HSE inspector James Caren emphasised the importance of regular inspection and maintenance of all work equipment. He stated, “Construction plant are exposed to harsh conditions and require effective inspection and maintenance regimes to avoid safety defects developing. The company should have had robust measures in place to maintain the piling rig so that it was structurally sound and could be operated safely.”
For further guidance on maintaining and inspecting plant, please refer to HSE’s guide: ‘The safe use of vehicles on construction sites: A guide for clients, designers, contractors, managers and workers involved with construction transport – HSG144’.
