In April 2023, a tragic incident occurred at the HS2 construction site off Middle Bickenhill Lane in Marston Green, Birmingham. Charles Harper, an HS2 worker, was performing horizontal directional drilling when an unsecured tail end of a coiled pipe sprang and struck him. The impact caused severe abdominal and chest injuries, leading to his death in the hospital the following day.
Despite the coil trailer being equipped with a restraining clamp and strap, these safety mechanisms were not utilized on the day of the accident. This oversight proved fatal.
Matters of Concern
Birmingham coroner James Bennett, in his report to the Pipeline Industries Guild and British Drilling Association, highlighted several concerns. His investigation revealed that many drilling and pipe dispensing companies still dispense coiled pipe without securing the tail end, contrary to the trailer operating manual instructions.
Bennett noted that these companies, likely members of either the Pipeline Industries Guild or the British Drilling Association, do not always secure the tail end of the pipe coil during dispensing. Both organizations aim to improve the health and safety of their members, as stated on their respective websites. Therefore, they are in a position to take action and alert their members to this risk.
The Pipeline Industries Guild and British Drilling Association must respond to the report within 56 days, detailing any proposed or already taken actions.
