Higgins Homes accused of planning failures on job which caused brick fall death
Summary
A court has heard allegations that Higgins Homes relied on generic and inaccurate construction and traffic management plans on a residential project in Bow, east London, where a pedestrian was killed by falling bricks from a tower crane. The prosecution expert said the documents contained errors, omissions and references to measures and roads that did not match the site, and that the plans were not adequately checked or updated under CDM requirements.
Why it matters
Surveyors involved in residential development, site inspections or due diligence should note the risks created by poor construction planning and weak document control. The case highlights the importance of site-specific health and safety management, especially where cranes, pedestrian routes and boundary risks are involved.
Key points
- Court heard allegations of generic and incomplete construction phase and traffic management plans.
- Documents reportedly referenced outdated CDM 2007 regulations and site features not present on the project.
- The prosecution expert said there was no adequate independent risk check or monitoring of plan revisions.
- The case concerns a fatal brick fall from a tower crane at a residential site in Bow, east London.
- Crane-related controls such as anti-collision systems and a pedestrian gantry were discussed but not apparently implemented.
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