Steeplejack injured after fall from bell chamber

Categories: General Health and Safety |


Steeplejack injured after fall from bell chamber A firm in Grantham has been fined £6,600 after one of its workers fell more than six metres to the ground - suffering five cracked vertebra, a broken pelvis and serious internal injuries.

The worker was employed to remove bird debris and clean the bell chamber at the Church of St Peter in Lincolnshire.

A subsequent Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that two workers had gained access to the spire of the church via the staircase and set out scaffolding planks to stand on to carry out the work.

The planks, which had been laid on rotten floor boards, collapsed when one of the workers stepped onto the board, causing him to fall 6.3 metres to the floor below.

Such was the seriousness of the man's injury, he has been unable to work since the incident.

The firm pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 4 (1)(a) and 4 (1)(c) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

In addition to the fine, the company was ordered to pay £4,774 costs.

HSE inspector Martin Giles commented: "Falls from height are the biggest causes of workplace deaths and it's crucial that employers make sure work is properly planned, appropriately supervised and that sufficient measures are put in place to protect staff from these risks."

To reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities, Britons are advised to use appropriate workwear.ADNFCR-1200-ID-19903583-ADNFCR

Related Articles

PPE issues raised regarding artificial turf

PPE issues raised regarding artificial turf

Crumb rubber requires use of personal protective equipment

Transport in the workplace 'checked' by HSE

Transport in the workplace 'checked' by HSE

HSE inspects transport in the workplace in Alconbury Airfield.

HSE emphasises importance of risk assessments

HSE emphasises importance of risk assessments

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has emphasised the need to carry out risk assessments following the death of a worker.

The...

Union pledges to fight for health and safety rights at work

Union pledges to fight for health and safety rights at work

Today (April 28th) marks International Workers Memorial Day, when employees around the world who have died in the course of their...

Insurance is legal requirement for many employers

Insurance is legal requirement for many employers

As well as taking practical steps to protect workers from accident or ill health, employers should also consider their legal obligations in...

Back to articles

Arco website help desk - Need help? email: web.help@arco.co.uk © Arco Limited, Registered in England, No 133804, PO Box 21 Waverley Street, Hull HU1 2SJ.
VAT No: 166911546