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Unsecured site allowed access to unstable timber roof trusses in storage area
Barratt Homes (BDW Trading Ltd T/A) has been fined £20,000 after a boy was seriously injured by falling roof trusses whilst playing in an unsecured construction storage area in Linwood, Scotland in 2009. The development was nearing completion and some homes were occupied whilst work continued on the remaining homes.
HSE investigators found the site was partially fenced with a large gap at the side and rear providing easy access. The roof trusses were stacked upright in an unstable condition and as children played in the storage area some trusses fell trapping the boy. He sustained a serous injury to his liver, abdominal bleeding and developed anxiety-related symptoms.
When HSE visited the site the company were unaware of the incident and injury. An Improvement Notice was issued requiring site fencing improvements to prevent any further unauthorised access.
Straightforward precautions not taken
BDW Trading Ltd (T/A Barratt Homes) , of Coalville, Leicestershire was fined £20,000 after pleading guilty to breaching HSW Act Section 3.
After the hearing, HSE Inspector Gerry McCulloch said:
“BDW Trading Ltd knew that families were living right next to of the construction site, and as such the safety of children should have been a primary consideration.
If the company had taken the straightforward precaution of fencing off the construction site, the children would not have been able to get into the area and this young lad would not have received potentially life-threatening injuries.”