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Inadequate fall protection leaves workman seriously injured
UK Storage Company (SW) Limited has been fined after a workman fractured his back, arm and ribs after falling 3m metres whilst working on a barn conversion in October 2011. He is no longer able to work in the construction industry as a result of the injuries sustained.
The man was engaged in the renovation of a property in Bridgwater, Somerset and was working on a gable end wall when he fell from a trestle work platform. There were some measures in place to prevent such a fall but these were described to the Court as ”inadequate”.
Suitable fall protection and supervision must be provided
UK Storage Company (SW) Limited, of Unit 3 East Quay, Wylds Road in Bridgwater, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 4(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined £5,000 and ordered to pay £2,680 in costs.
After the hearing, inspector Steve Frain from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) commented:
“Employers need to ensure there is adequate supervision and fall protection in place while renovation activity of this nature is undertaken. UK Storage Company (SW) Limited failed to do so, and had not taken suitable steps to prevent Mr Clarke from falling from the platform.”