Prosecution in 40 foot crane driver's cab drop

On 23 September 2009 Select Plant Hire Company was fined £100,000 and ordered to pay costs at the Old Bailey following an incident where a crane driver's cab fell 40 feet onto the roof of a hotel.

John Young, 39, was working at the construction site in Croydon when his cab fell 40 feet onto the roof of a neighbouring hotel. As a result he sustained multiple serious injuries including a broken right shoulder blade, fractured vertebrae in his spine, three broken ribs, fractured skull and bruised lungs.

Mr Young had to undergo numerous operations and is only able to walk short distances. He can only leave his home with assistance and can no longer work.

Select Plant Hire Company was prosecuted for failing to ensure the equipment was thoroughly examined after installation, failing to make sure Mr Young’s supervisor had received adequate training and failing to ensure its employees were not exposed to risks.