Sixty Metres
Three steel beams fell from a height of 60 metres at the construction site of ArcelorMittal's new headquarters in Kirchberg, having not been properly secured to the crane. The beams fell first onto the construction site below and then onto the EU Council building diagonally opposite, on Rue Galileo Galilei.
The incident had already been reported to police on 12 August. Police confirmed the details on Monday. The European Convention Centre opposite the construction site was damaged, and those inside at the time were evacuated as a precaution.
Fortunately, no one was hurt, whether on the construction site, on the road, or inside the EU Council building. The damage was limited to the material.
The Inspectorate of Labour and Mines (ITM) was also present at the scene. The ITM is not allowed to release information on specific cases, but its spokeswoman was able to answer general questions. When called to a scene, inspectors assess the situation, check working methods and safety measures, and determine whether there is still any danger to workers or people nearby.
A temporary suspension of works or a specific safety measure can be ordered if needed to remove a danger. However, it is not the case that a construction site is automatically shut down completely after every such incident. Where works are halted, the site may only resume operations once the identified danger has been eliminated.
Three steel beams, 60 metres, one EU building. Nobody hurt. Luck, not safety.