Three Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecutions published within 11 days have highlighted the serious consequences of poorly planned lifting operations. The companies received fines totalling more than £4.8 million following incidents that left workers with life-changing injuries.

The cases involved a falling switchboard, an improvised forklift lift and a failed lifting chain. Despite the different circumstances, all three demonstrate the importance of proper planning, suitable equipment and effective safety procedures.

Three cases, one lesson

City Electrical Factors Limited – £4 million fine

A 231kg switchboard fell from a forklift during loading operations, causing a worker to sustain severe brain and spinal injuries. An HSE investigation found that the company had not carried out a risk assessment or prepared a lift plan, despite the task being a regular part of its operations. The company was fined on 16 October 2026.

Wedge Group Galvanizing Limited – £566,666 fine

A damaged lifting chain failed while carrying a steel beam weighing nearly three tonnes, causing it to fall into molten zinc. A worker suffered burns to 40% of his body and underwent 13 operations. The investigation found the chains had not been properly inspected and the lifting arrangement exceeded their safe limit. The company was fined in October 2026.

E H Hassell & Sons Limited – £300,000 fine

Workers improvised a method of lifting a one-tonne metal hopper using a forklift. The load slipped and struck a worker, causing fractures to his skull, neck and spine. The HSE found that the lift had not been planned by a competent person and no safe system of work was in place. The company was fined on 23 October 2026.

What can employers learn?

The cases highlight three important priorities for workplace safety:

• Plan every lift: Lifting operations should be planned by a competent person, with risks assessed and responsibilities clearly established.
• Use suitable equipment: Loads must be secured properly, lifting equipment must be appropriate for the task, and workers should never be expected to steady unstable loads by hand.
• Inspect equipment regularly: Damaged lifting accessories must be taken out of use, with appropriate inspections and thorough examinations carried out.

The HSE's guidance on planning and organising lifting operations explains how employers can ensure lifting activities are properly managed.

Preventing avoidable injuries

These incidents show that serious accidents can occur during everyday workplace activities when lifting operations are poorly planned or equipment is not properly maintained.

For health and safety professionals, the message is clear: routine tasks should never be an excuse to skip essential safety checks. Competent planning, suitable equipment and effective supervision can help protect workers and prevent avoidable injuries.

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