05.07.2016
Crane operator accused
A crane operator faces charges for negligence after he placed a pallet load of building blocks onto a working platform in an unsafe manner on a job site in Munich, Germany, last week.
It seems that the crane operator, 43, placed the breeze blocks onto the very edge of a working platform – either a heavy duty scissor lifts, mast climber or façade scaffold? – the platform tilted and a number of blocks broke out of the shrink wrap covering and fell onto a man below, 64, he was seriously hurt and was rushed to hospital, where he was operated on, but his injuries are not thought to be life threatening.
The police have opened an investigation into the circumstances of the accident and a process was initiated against the crane operator on the grounds of ‘suspicion of negligent injury’.
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The Pallet of blocks was similar to these
Although we don't know the full circumstances it's strange that the Germans are quick to place the blame with the crane operator whilst the slinger/signaller apparently escapes negligence charges unscathed? In the UK the HSE would apportion blame with the Slinger Signaller whose responsibility it is to "safely place the load."