A construction company has faced a fine after three contractors obtained serious injuries falling from a height.
On 18 July 2018, three workers fell approximately 2.5 metres onto a concrete floor, North Somerset Magistrates’ Court learned. The fall was caused by the incorrect fitting of a temporary stairwell cover. As a result, the workers suffered serious injuries including a broken knee, broken back and swollen knee.
After an investigation led by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), it was revealed that St Modwen Homes Limited did not have a strong system in place to distinguish the stairwell cover as a temporary working platform. Matters relating to the safe use of the temporary platform were not organised correctly, and it did not plan, manage and monitor the installation, inspection, maintenance and use of the temporary working platform.
St Modwen Homes Limited of Park Point, High Street, Longbridge, Birmingham pleaded guilty to violating the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, contravening Regulation 13(1). As well as being fined £200,000, the company has been ordered to pay costs of £13,332.
Following the proceedings, HSE inspector Stephan Axt-Simmonds said: “Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work-related fatalities in this country and the risks associated with working at height are well known. This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices. Temporary stairwell covers need to be inspected the same as any other working platforms.
“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
Jeremy Sirrell, a Supervising Director at Palmers and a Health and Safety expert, said: “The failure to conduct a risk assessment and put safety procedures in place has led to an incident that could have been prevented.
“If you have encountered a similar incident, it is vital that you seek specialist advice at the earliest convenience.”
For help and guidance on all aspects of Health and Safety Law, be that advice on a potential health and safety investigation or prosecution, please contact Jeremy – who deals with prosecutions for such breaches.