A girder smashed through a roof and three floors narrowly missing workers - 25th January 2010

Builders have been faced with a prohibition order after a 20ft metal girder smashed through the roof of an estate agency in Preston, Lancashire in a workplace accident.

A Health and Safety Executive investigation was launched after the accident when the girder, weighing half a tonne, crashed through the roof and three floors of the building, coming to rest on the ground floor, just metres from two members of staff.

One of the women involved is still off work due to the shock.

The prohibition order in place stops the crane hoisting unsecured items while a formal investigation is carried out.

An HSE spokesman said: “Prohibition notices stop a certain type of work taking place. The crane cannot be used to lift loads unless they are are locked in place. There cannot be anything loose; it all has to be chained together.”

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