Firm fined after worker falls from scaffold

Categories: Construction Health and Safety | General Health and Safety |

The safety issues involved when working at height were highlighted when a labourer was paralysed after falling from insufficiently guarded scaffolding.

Commenting on the incident, the HSE stated that the injured worker's employer should have ensured that safety rails were erected; however, it was discovered that a number of balcony sections were left unguarded.

After falling three metres, the labourer suffered serious head injuries, a dislocated shoulder and fractured spine.

The Cardiff-based firm was fined £8,000 for two breaches of the Work at Height Regulations.

Nick Garner, the HSE inspector involved in the case, commented: "It's our contention that this accident could and should have been prevented … Falls from height are the major cause of deaths in the building industry."

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 state that employers are required to install guard rails or barriers and ensure that there are safety signs set up when working on or near fragile surfaces.

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