A construction worker getting flung from a boom lift, only to be run over by a double-decker bus? Sounds like something straight out of a Final Destination movie—but unfortunately, this really happened. And the scariest part? It was entirely preventable.
The case of Leszek Soltysiak is a textbook example of what not to do when using aerial lifts near public roads. From poor planning to a shocking lack of visibility, a series of bad decisions led to a catastrophic (yet strangely lucky) survival story. So, let’s dissect what went wrong, why it happened, and how to avoid turning a routine task into an action-movie stunt gone wrong.
What Went Wrong?
The primary cause of the accident was the decision to back a cherry picker onto a busy road without adequate safety measures. This single action set off a chain of events that nearly cost a man his life. Here’s what happened:
- Unsafe Movement of the Boom Lift
The boom lift, designed for controlled site use, was reversed onto Euston Road, a three-lane public highway. This slow-moving, oversized machine had no place maneuvering in live traffic, especially without proper precautions. - Poor Visibility & Lack of Warnings
It was early morning and still dark. Neither of the two workers wore high-visibility clothing, and the cherry picker had no visible warning lights. Effectively, they were invisible to approaching traffic—including the double-decker bus that struck the lift. - Misjudgment of Clearance
As Mr. Soltysiak reversed, he raised the operator platform to clear site fencing. However, he was unaware that a bus had just turned onto the road. The top of the bus collided with the lift’s basket, causing the entire structure to shift and strike a brick post. - Ejection from the Platform
The sudden impact violently catapulted Mr. Soltysiak four meters from the basket. Unfortunately, he landed directly in front of the moving bus. The driver, unaware of what had just happened, braked only after feeling an impact, stopping 15 meters ahead.
The Consequences
Miraculously, Mr. Soltysiak survived but suffered severe injuries to his head, arm, pelvis, and legs. His employer, Galliford Try Construction Limited, faced legal consequences for failing to plan and supervise the work properly. The company was fined £12,000, plus over £16,000 in costs.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the incident could have been prevented had the company followed proper safety protocols. As HSE Inspector Paul Hems put it, the sequence of events was almost “unbelievable” but entirely avoidable.
Key Lessons for Aerial Lift Safety
To prevent similar tragedies, construction companies and operators must follow strict safety guidelines when moving aerial lifts—especially on public roads. Here are the critical takeaways:
- Never Operate Aerial Lifts on Public Roads Without Authorization
Aerial lifts are not designed for public road use unless specifically permitted. Moving them onto busy streets without traffic control measures is a recipe for disaster.
- Implement Traffic Control & Warning Signals
If an aerial lift must be moved near a roadway, proper traffic management is essential. This includes warning signs, lights, barriers, and personnel directing traffic.
- Ensure Visibility for Operators & Vehicles
High-visibility clothing, reflective gear, and adequate lighting can make the difference between being seen and being invisible. This simple precaution could have prevented this accident.
- Provide Proper Training & Supervision
Employers must ensure that workers are trained to assess risks and follow safe work practices. In this case, inadequate supervision and poor decision-making led to a near-fatal outcome.
- Use an Aerial Lift Expert Witness for Incident Analysis
In legal disputes involving aerial lift accidents, an aerial lift expert witness can provide valuable insights into what went wrong and how it could have been prevented. Their expertise helps establish responsibility and promotes industry-wide safety improvements.
Final Thoughts
The case of Mr. Soltysiak is a stark reminder of what can go wrong when aerial lifts are used improperly. Simple precautions—like assessing the environment, ensuring visibility, and implementing proper traffic controls—could have prevented this accident entirely.
Construction sites must prioritize safety at all times. Cutting corners, whether to save time or effort, is never worth the risk when lives are at stake.
