Haskell v. Cape Ann Anchor Works

This is an action of tort for personal injuries caused by the fall of an ingot or bar of steel upon the plaintiff in consequence of the breaking of a chain by which the ingot *486was supported. It is before us on exceptions raising the usual issues. The action is at common law and also under St. 1887, c. 270 and its amendments, but nothing turns upon the pleadings.

The plaintiff was an experienced workman in the defendant’s employ. He was directed to get the ingot upon a car. He looked for a chain and took the only one he saw in the neighborhood. This was what was called a single chain, and there…