Wednesday 30 May 2012

Fines imposed following scaffolding fall death

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have fined a firm, its director and a supervisor  for safety failings after a worker died from injuries sustained in a fall from scaffolding at a construction site in East Sussex. [1]

The injured worked had been constructing a scaffold when he fell.

Precisely how far or why he fell remains unclear, but a HSE investigation identified a number of defects with the scaffolding at the site, including missing hand rails and incomplete scaffold platforms. Evidence of deficient working practices and a negligent safety culture within the company were also found.

Prohibition Notices had previously been served on this particular firm and on individual employees for unsafe working practices, but the poor attitude to safety in the organisation continued. [2]

After the hearing HSE inspector Melvyn Stancliffe said:

"HSE and the scaffolding industry have worked together to produce easy to follow guidance to help contractors ensure their scaffolding is safe. So there is no excuse for compromising safety – as was clearly the case here.”

"HSE takes firm action against individuals and contractors who ignore their health and safety obligations. It is essential that contractors and contract managers equip themselves with the necessary information and guidance material and apply it every time a scaffold is built."

Scaffolding can become extremely dangerous if it is not constructed properly. It is important that an experienced and fully trained person erects scaffolding as incorrect construction is a common cause of scaffolding collapsing. It is also important that all of the correct parts and components are used.

If you or a member of your family has been involved in an accident which has resulted in you sustaining injury and would like a free and confidential discussion with one of our specialised Solicitors, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0800 389 1978 or visit our website at www.forsterdean.co.uk. You can also follow us on Twitter (@ForsterDeanLtd) and find Forster Dean Solicitors on Facebook

Mofozzul Hussain LLB (Hons)
Office Manager (Birkenhead) and Personal Injury Solicitor

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