Three injured in crane accident

Published on Monday 5 May 2008 10:15

THREE men were injured today when an 80-tonne crane snapped at a shipyard.

BAE Systems said the employees were involved in the incident this morning at its Govan shipyard in Glasgow.

One man, a shipwright, is being treated in hospital for minor injuries.

The crane operator and another shipwright were treated at the scene for shock.

The Health and Safety Executive has been notified and an inquiry has been launched.

A BAE Systems spokeswoman said: "At approximately 8am a crane at the Govan yard sustained damage when the jib snapped after being lowered out to begin routine operations.

"None of the employees involved have been seriously injured.

"The crane passed its annual statutory inspection in March 2008 and the cause of the incident is currently being investigated."

She added: "The Health and Safety Executive was notified immediately and will investigate the incident with the full support of the business.

"At this time our priority is the safety and well being of our employees. Until the investigation has been completed it would be inappropriate to discuss the potential cause of the incident."

Around 1,500 people are employed at the shipyard on the River Clyde.