Company fined following accident at work fall

Published: 25/01/2013

January is undoubtedly the busiest time for any gym as we all begrudgingly try and shift those Christmas pounds. However for one labourer a trip to the gym proved to be much more dangerous than your typically workout after he suffered an accident at work.

The accident victim was working at a height of 4.5 metres, removing ventilation ducting from a two storey gym in the basement, when it was knocked over causing him to fall and fracture two vertebrae and break five ribs.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed the scaffold tower to be poorly constructed as none of the temporary workers had the skills or experience in erecting such a structure and had had to do so without adequate supervision.

The Kent based company was fined £8000 and ordered to pay £3500 in costs.

Keith Levart is the appointed HSE Inspector:

“The worker suffered painful injuries that could have been avoided had the labour crew been properly managed, and had their work on site been adequately monitored.

“The temporary staff had effectively been left to their own devices and were working in an unplanned and unsafe manner. It illustrates the clear need for companies to have practical arrangements in place to ensure that all personnel involved in and undertaking construction work understand what is expected of them, and are able to co-operate and communicate with one another.

“Work at height from scaffolds poses clear risks, and should only ever be undertaken by competent personnel with the right equipment, knowledge and experience.”

Content correct at time of publication