Crushed to death by a lift
The operators of one of Britain’s most iconic stately homes have been sentenced after a domestic servant was crushed to death by a lift.
Burghley House in Stamford, Lincolnshire dates back to 1555 and has been featured in films such as The Da Vinci Code and Pride and Prejudice.
Investigators told Peterborough Crown Court that on 12th July 2014 a lift was taking guests’ luggage up to the second floor in the private area when one of the bags jammed the lift.
While 48 year old Mr Mellar was trying to free the trapped bag the lift cage descended, crushing him against the bannister of the stairwell in which it was situated.
When HSE investigators inspected the lift, they found that it had not been fitted with the necessary slack rope detector. Assessment by a qualified lift engineer would have identified this and other defects. Burghley House Preservation Trust Limited pleaded guilty to a breach of Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. They were fined £266,000 and ordered to pay costs of £16,863.
Commenting after sentencing, HSE inspector Alison Ashworth said: “This was a completely avoidable incident and Burghley House admitted its role in it, but of course that will be little comfort for Mr Mellar’s family." She went on to advise that all lifts, especially older models, should be correctly maintained and inspected so that dangerous defects can be identified and put right.
Further information; http://press.hse.gov.uk/2017/sentence-after-historic-home-butler-fatally-crushed-in-lift-incident/
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Regulation 9 of The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) requires that all lifts provided for use in work activities are thoroughly examined by a competent person at regular intervals. This applies to lifts and hoists used to lift people or loads.
Industrial Safety Inspections undertake Thorough Examinations of lifts in accordance with LOLER.
If your lift requires a Thorough Examination contact our office for assistance on 01675 481779, or you can contact me directly through LinkedIn messaging.