Have a question? Call us on 0800 1979 345
Have a question? Call us on 0800 1979 345
This article was published on March 1st, 2017
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) decided to investigate a construction company after a contractor working at one of its sites, fell 3.5 metres through a hole in a mezzanine floor. The man sustained a catastrophic brain injury as a result of the fall from a height.
The company, who specialise in installing mezzanine floors, had left an unsafe/ insufficiently guarded hole in the floor which was left to accommodate a lift being installed. The HSE’s investigations revealed that the contractor stepped backwards into the unguarded hole onto a concrete surface below which left him hospitalised for 2 months and with permanent catastrophic damage to his brain.
The Crown Court heard that the construction company failed to sufficiently guard the hole or board it up to prevent employees from falling from a height and as a result pleaded guilty to a breach of the Work at Height Regulations, Regulation 6(3) which meant they were fined £20,000 and ordered to pay £9165.56 legal costs.
An HSE Inspector commented after the hearing “The contractors injuries were life changing and he could have easily been killed. This serious incident and devastation could have been avoided if basic safe guards had been put in place”.
Accidents can be embarrassing and stressful and we often blame ourselves when they happen but ask yourself this.. were you given the right tools and equipment for the job? Was the job risk assessed and properly supervised? were you given the proper training to do the job? are all the tools and machinery maintained and fit for purpose? If you are unsure if you are at fault or not then speak to one of our specialist solicitors who find out for you and will handle every aspect of your work accident compensation claim, providing the support and expertise you deserve.
We offer a free initial interview in order to review your specific circumstances and assess the viability of your personal injury claim.
To speak to one of our specialist team call us now on FREEPHONE 0800 1979 345, or complete our simple enquiry form and we can call you back at a time to suit you.
