21.06.2007

Three rescued after platform tips

A truck mounted access platform from ES Access toppled when one of its outriggers sank into the pavement. Three workmen in the platform at the time had to be rescued from the roof using another access platform.

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The three men in the basket had a lucky escape

The incident happened at Athena House in Kettlestring Lane, Clifton Moor, at about 10.30am yesterday.

The men were working from the platform, owned by ES Access, when one of its support feet sank into the pavement, toppling the lorry.
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The operator obviously did not check the ground conditions or use outrigger mats

City of York Councillor Joe Watt witnessed the whole thing. He said: "One of the platform's feet sunk into the pavement, making a big hole, and it toppled over.

One of the workman Paul Wilkinson, 40, said: "I was surveying the lift shaft and then I saw the wagon going, I just thought Oh dear.' Asked as to who was responsible for the incident he said: "Who knows? It was just scary really."

Athena House is home to the Crown Prosecution Service, North Yorkshire Police admin support, the local criminal justice board and North Yorkshire Victim Support.

A CPS spokesperson said around 60 or 70 people had been evacuated from the building.
The fire brigade had ordered the first floor be cleared, but the whole building was evacuated for health and safety reasons.