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Untrained workforce and lack of planning caused demolition injury
Hughes Brothers Building & Joinery Ltd of Leigh have been ordered to pay over £11k in fines and prosecution costs after a workman involved in demolition work was seriously injured when a wall collapsed in July 2008.
The man suffered multiple injuries including fractures to his left leg, collar bone and arm, and injuries to the vertebrae in his upper and lower back and has yet to return to work.
HSE Inspector Tom Merry said: “This employee was seriously injured because the company failed to manage the demolition of the building properly. The risk assessment that the company produced did not fully indentify the dangers workers would face.
“Only one of the workers had previous experience of demolition work but he did not stay on the site the whole time. The others had neither the experience nor qualifications needed to demolish buildings.”
Comment: The defendant seems to have used his own employees to undertake high risk demolitionn work. A timely reminder that CDM 2007 requires engagement of those that are competent to carry out construction work safely.