AD1074 Health and Safety Legislation Case Study 2026: Cracked Crane Hook, Employer Duties and Case Law | UCC Module AD1074 Health and Safety Legislation Institution University College Cork (UCC) Assessment Case study research and writing assignment, 100% of the module Word limit 1,500 words +/- 10% Legislation Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and common law In this AD1074 case study, Benny follows his foreman’s order to lift scaffolding bars with a crane hook he has already reported as cracked, and is seriously injured when it breaks. Your task is to give Benny legal advice: what rights he has, what his employer owed him under the 2005 Act and at common law, which Irish cases support your view, and what your own workplace can learn from it.
Assignment Overview Continuous assessment for this module is 100% of the overall marks; this research and writing assignment is worth 100% of your grade. Word limit: 1,500 words +/- 10% (excluding reasonable footnotes and the bibliography). Marks are deducted if these limits are exceeded, and late penalties apply as set out in the module descriptor. Upload the assignment to Canvas via Turnitin and read the guidance notes before you begin.
Case Study Benny is a construction worker with a large construction firm. Part of Benny’s duties is preparing loads for lifting with a crane. One day, while getting some scaffolding bars ready to be lifted by the crane, Benny noticed a visible crack in the crane hook.
As his foreman happened to be walking past, Benny brought the weakened crane hook to the foreman’s attention. The foreman replied, “don’t worry about the hook, it’ll be okay, just tie up them bars and attach them to the crane”. Although he was concerned about the hook, Benny did exactly as his foreman told him. As the crane was lifting the scaffolding bars the hook broke and the bars fell onto Benny, causing him severe injuries.
Question Advise Benny as to his rights and his employer’s obligations under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and any common law, or other, provisions which may apply. Please support your answer with relevant case law.
Assessment Criteria Introduction Clear, concise; outlines the plan of the assignment 10% Knowledge and understanding Comprehensive account of legislation, specifically the 2005 Act, and case law beyond the classroom 30% Critical thought Ability to analyse and evaluate material and align it with relevant legislation and case law 25% Self-reflection Level of self-reflection relating the learning from theory to your own organisation 15% Overall presentation Logical flow, clear structure, layout, spelling and grammar 10% Resources Evidence of reading additional material and accurate referencing 10% Guidance Notes This is an individual assignment and must be entirely your own work. The maximum word limit is 1,500 words; reasonable footnotes and the bibliography are not counted. The assignment must be typewritten and submitted through Canvas (Turnitin).