Queensferry Bridge workers suspended after daredevil climb

Aaron Morby 10 years ago
Share

Two workers on the Queensferry Crossing have been suspended after climbing down the outside of the central pylon following a hoist failure in high winds ahead of storm Abigail.

Seven workers left their jump-forming shift early on Thursday afternoon as winds picked up but they became trapped when the hoist broke down 107m up from the deck section.

It is understood two men panicked fearing for their lives and climbed out of a hatch on top of the lift cage and clambered down the steel running mast using it as a ladder.

The other five remained in the lift and were rescued two hours later.

An enquiry in now underway to find out why the men chose to use the hoist in high winds rather the internal staircase.

A worker on the bridge who asked to remain anonymous told STV News: “They were absolutely terrified. They thought they were going to be killed.

“They had just started coming down for their dinner and were still nearly at the top of the tower when a wire snapped and a wheel came off the lift. The other wires got twisted.

A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “Our contractor FCBC, is currently leading an investigation into the incident.

“Staff were working in safe conditions inside the jump form at the top of Queensferry Crossing’s centre tower.

“As wind speeds picked up they elected to descend the tower via the Alimak, rather than using the safer option of the internal tower staircase.

“Safety procedures are in place to rescue employees from the Alimak in all conditions, these were immediately instigated.”

He added: “The rescue team successfully carried out the practised rescue drill taking the necessary actions to free the controlled descent mechanism, which allowed those on board to return down the tower safely.”

He added that hoists were fully compliant with UK LOLER regulations and routine checks were carried out daily and weekly.

Harry Frew, Scottish Regional Secretary of the Ucatt union, said: “The workers, they panicked. They thought we are in real danger here, this thing could drop.

“Imagine what was going through their minds. People take actions they shouldn’t do, or actions to save their lives.”

He added: “We intend to meet with management at the crossing as soon as possible to build a clear picture of what has happened and we will resolutely support any of our members that have been affected by this incident.”

Bridge pier Queensferry
Earlier picture of central pylon where hoist broke down 107m above the bridge deck

Latest news

Balfour Beatty terminates Danny Sullivan labour deals

Around 500 workers on HS2 will be moved to alternative agencies or be taken on direct
1 day ago

Trio face prosecution after Hinkley site death

Main contractors and client to face charges over death of site supervisor
1 day ago

Buyers see recovery in house building sector

But civil and commercial work still in the doldrums
2 days ago

Apprentice saws-off thumb on hotel refurb site

Court hears how digit was reattached and teenager continued training with another firm
2 days ago

Laing O’Rourke tops June contracts league

£919m animal super lab dominates new orders
2 days ago

TSL turnover smashes £500m as profit almost trebles

Data centre and logistics contractor rises high on surging demand
2 days ago

Gleeson Homes chief exec leaves business after restructure

Management revamp after "challenging" year
2 days ago

Green light for 1,600-home Oldham town centre overhaul

Plans for over 1,600 homes across six regeneration sites approved
2 days ago

DSM wins Norwich city centre clearance job

Anglia Square shopping centre clearance for £300m scheme
2 days ago

13-year-old becomes UK’s youngest qualified digger driver

Grandson of Gallagher Group chairman sets industry record
2 days ago

Cubby reborn in £12m Svella-backed takeover

£50m revenue target set as 14 firms combine under new Cubby Group banner
3 days ago

North East NHS trusts plot £3bn health estate overhaul

Market engagement begins for major construction push across four trusts
3 days ago

HG goes green on cranes in £1.2m switch to battery power

Diesel-free crane drive cuts fuel bills by 94%
3 days ago

Developer fined £165,000 for fire safety failings

Firm ignored fire safety orders on apartment job in Preston
3 days ago

Bidding to start for £1.8bn North West framework

Contractors invited to bid for latest Procure Partnerships deal
3 days ago

Hill hits record £90m profit as homes pipeline swells

Build-to-rent push and £4.8bn contracting book to fuel next growth phase
3 days ago

Rayner unveils £39bn plan to build 300,000 social homes

Council building revival and rent reform feature in social and affordable homes plan
4 days ago

Keltbray bounces back with £3.2m profit

Tighter controls and smarter project selection fuel strong turnaround
4 days ago

VINCI JV wins 500-home twin town centre revamps

Chester Northgate phase 2 and Northwich Weaver Square schemes move to delivery stage
4 days ago

80 energy projects unlocked as Ofgem backs grid expansion

£24bn energy networks deal gets green light from regulator
5 days ago

How to see your stories on the Enquirer

Join our Suppliers and Buyers directory to get your news published
4 days ago

Henley lands Midland Mill revamp on Leeds tower scheme

Restoration of 18th-century mill kicks off on South Bank regeneration project
4 days ago

New boss at Eric Wright Civil Engineering

Gavin Hulme takes top job as Diane Bourne moves to group role
4 days ago

Pinewood submits £1bn data centre plan

Studio giant adds green and learning spaces to tech hub blueprint
5 days ago

Record results after TClarke goes private

Britain's biggest M&E contractor flourishes after de-listing
5 days ago

Dalkia lands £200m nuclear maintenance deal

1,000 nuclear FM staff to join M&E contractor
5 days ago

Construction comeback to outpace wider economy

Arcadis forecast fueled by spending review optimism
6 days ago

First steel goes up on giant car battery site

Severfield gets to work on McAlpine Somerset site
6 days ago

Permasteelisa wins cladding deal on Bovis city tower

Facade specialist lands package at 60 Gracechurch Street
5 days ago

Fox buys recycled asphalt specialist Fisher

Acquisition adds major recycled asphalt capacity in north west
6 days ago