Contractor Fined After Unplanned Lift Leads to Structural Collapse: A Cautionary Tale for Site Managers

A major construction contractor has been fined following a serious incident where an unplanned lifting operation caused a structural collapse, resulting in widespread damage and disruption. According to Construction Enquirer, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) concluded that the lift had not been planned by a competent Appointed Person and was carried out without suitable risk assessments or supervision.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of competent lift planning and formal qualification pathways—particularly for those in supervisory and management roles.

The Legal Requirement for Lift Planning and Supervision

Under LOLER 1998 (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) and CDM 2015, lifting operations must:

Be properly planned by a competent person
Be supervised by qualified lifting personnel
Have detailed method statements and risk assessments in place
Use operatives and supervisors who are trained and certified for their roles

Failure to meet these standards can result in structural failure, serious injury, or even prosecution.

How NVQs Demonstrate Competence in Lifting and Site Management

To prevent such incidents, All Star Safety strongly encourages contractors and principal contractors to ensure their teams hold appropriate NVQs, such as:

Level 5 NVQ in Controlling Lifting Operations – Planning Lifts (Appointed Person)
Level 4 NVQ in Controlling Lifting Operations – Supervising Lifts
Level 6 NVQ in Construction Site Management, which includes oversight of complex site activities, including lifting

These qualifications provide formal, portfolio-based evidence of competence that aligns with HSE expectations and card scheme requirements (CPCS, CSCS).