HS2 London tunnels work resumes after near-miss incident

Work has resumed on parts of HS2’s London tunnels section after the Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture implemented additional safety measures following a serious near-miss incident in late September.

Two workers in a mobile elevated work platform narrowly avoided being struck by a rotating steel beam during gantry crane dismantling operations at the Green Park Way ventilation shaft in west London on September 29.

The incident occurred when beam clamps slid along the main beam during de-rigging, causing it to rotate and violently impact the MEWP. The platform sustained serious damage, though the two clipped-on operatives escaped without major injuries.

The contractor launched a full shutdown and safety review immediately following the incident. Work has now restarted on portions of the 14-mile twin-bore tunnel stretch between Euston and Hillingdon after a comprehensive review of safety procedures and leadership.

“Safety will always be our top priority which is why all works were halted on the London tunnels section of HS2 following a serious near-miss incident,” said an HS2 Ltd spokesperson. “We have now begun a safe, structured restart across some of these worksites following a comprehensive review of safety procedures and leadership.”

The spokesperson added that additional measures are being implemented by the joint venture to ensure workforce safety, with HS2 Ltd continuing to closely monitor performance across the sites.