£566k fine after lifting-chain failure: sling configuration and inspection matter
Wedge Group Galvanizing was fined £566,666 after damaged lifting chains failed while carrying a near-three-tonne beam. HSE also found the sling arrangement was incorrect and exceeded the chains’ safe limit.
Chain failure during a near-three-tonne lift
HSE reported on 20 October 2026 that a lifting chain failed while carrying a roller steel joist weighing nearly three tonnes at Wedge Group Galvanizing’s Crediton site. The beam fell into molten zinc and the resulting wave covered a worker, causing burns to 40% of his body. He spent 11 days in intensive care and required 13 operations.
The company was fined £566,666 and ordered to pay £15,521 costs.
Inspection and configuration both failed
HSE found the chains showed damage and deterioration and had not undergone the required regular inspection. It also found that the slinging arrangement was incorrect, meaning the load imposed on the chains exceeded their safe limit. The risk assessment did not address chain checks or specify the required sling configuration.
- Do not treat an accessory’s marked WLL as its capacity in every configuration.
- Calculate the effect of sling arrangement and loading on each accessory.
- Verify thorough-examination status and conduct appropriate pre-use checks.
- Consider accelerated deterioration in corrosive or aggressive environments.
- Specify the rigging arrangement in the lift plan rather than leaving it to site interpretation.
- Withdraw damaged or deteriorated accessories immediately.
The planning lesson
Rigging is part of the engineered lifting system. Accessory selection, sling configuration, inspection regime and environmental conditions must agree with the lift plan and manufacturer information.
LiftPlanProUK provides planning and management support. Site-specific information must be checked and every lifting operation approved by a competent person.