Two workers avoid injury after beam struck crane basket
Work has been halted across HS2’s London tunnels scheme after a near-miss accident involving a gantry crane.
During the disassembly of the crane at the Green Park Way vent shaft in west London, a beam struck a crane basket containing two workers.
Nobody was injured in the incident, which occurred last Monday (29 September), but HS2 said it had asked its contractor to carry out a “comprehensive” review of safety procedures.
A joint venture of Skanska, Costain and Strabag (SCS JV) is the main works civils contractor on the London tunnels, which stretch 14 miles from Copthall tunnel in Hillingdon to the approach to Euston station.
As a result of the incident, first reported by the Telegraph, SCS JV took the decision to stand down work while a full review of safety procedures is carried out. Limited works including essential maintenance will continue.
HS2 chief executive Mark Wild said: “Safety is our number one priority at HS2. Due to a serious incident, works have been safely halted across the London tunnels section of the route.
“While no workers were physically harmed, our contractor, Skanska Costain Strabag joint venture, is undertaking a comprehensive review of safety procedures and leadership on their sites before a safe restart can take place.”
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