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Company prosecuted after heavy motor crashes into lobby at Luton hospital

The lift winding motor that was droppedA Banbury lift company has been fined after a lift motor weighing more than a tonne fell into a lobby at Luton & Dunstable Hospital, injuring a member of the public.

The heavy component was being hoisted over a hatch by Cotswold Lifts Limited when the incident occurred on 07 September 2010.

The impact caused structural damage to the concrete floor of the hospital lift lobby and to the ceiling of the level below. A member of the public who was waiting for the lift was injured by falling debris and was admitted to Accident & Emergency.

On 18 December, Luton & South Bedfordshire Magistrates' Court heard that the motor was being moved using a sling and block and tackle, but came loose and fell four metres.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found Cotswold Lifts failed to properly plan and manage the operation, or make suitable arrangements to protect employees, hospital staff, patients and members of the public.

HSE served a Prohibition Notice after the incident to stop the company using the same approach and equipment to move other items.

Cotswold Lifts Limited, of 5 Thorpe Close, Thorpe Way Industrial Estate, Banbury, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health & Safety at Work Act etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £5,000 and ordered to pay £5,499 in costs.

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The lobby area showing hatch and damage to floor

 

 

 

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