(Updates OHSA findings)

A 59-year-old construction worker died in an accident in Sliema late this morning. He is from Siggiewi.

The accident happened in Windsor Terrace corner with Sir Arturo Mercieca Street.

The Occupational Health and Safety Authority said that its preliminary investigation showed that the crane’s steel wire rope snapped and broke, leading to the fall of the pulley block.

At the time of the accident, it said, the crane was not being used to lift any object, so overload was ruled out as the cause of the accident.

OHSA investigations remain ongoing.

Earlier, the OHSA said that the crane was being used to lift a bundle of wood shuttering when the crane’s wire rope failed and broke with the loac falling and landing behind the victim.

A Magisterial Inquiry is under way.

The OHSA said that the setting up and operation of all lifting appliances, including cranes,) is covered by a number of specific provisions.

In particular, employers need to have a safety programme to ensure that all the lifting appliances and lifting gear are selected, installed, examined, tested, maintained, operated and dismantled, with a view to prevent the occurrence of any accident; and in accordance with the requirements laid down in the Lifts and Hoists Regulations of 1964 and any other relevant Maltese legislation.

Furthermore, lifting appliances and items of lifting gear shall be examined by a competent person: before being taken into use for the first time; one week, after erection on site; after any substantial alteration or repair; monthly.