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Workmen fell on refurb project when concrete pour triggered decking collapse
Bridgford Interiors Limited, of Lichfield, Staffordshire has been fined after two men were injured while carrying out refurbishment work at a TK Maxx outlet in London in 2006.
Following the removal a staircase and escalator three men were pouring concrete to fill the opening left in the first floor of the retail unit. Shortly after the concrete pour started the temporary propping supporting the underside of the decking collapsed.
This caused the three men to fall more than 4.8 metres to the floor below. All were taken to hospital, one with a dislocated shoulder, another had a fractured pelvis and elbow, the third worker was unhurt.
Temporary works not ‘designed’
Bridgford Interiors Limited, of Fradley Park, Lichfield, Staffordshire pleaded guilty to breaching section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined £25,000 and ordered to pay costs of £23,392.
HSE Inspector Viv Neaverson said:
“This prosecution arises as a result of Bridgford’s failing in their duty as the company responsible for the temporary works.
Whilst they had appointed a structural engineering company to execute the permanent works, they had not appointed a temporary works engineer and, as such, this duty fell to them.”