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This article was published on January 19th, 2017
The Health and Safety Executive have prosecuted a construction company after one of it’s workers fell from a height onto a concrete floor. The worker sustained life threatening injuries and was fortunate not to have been killed as a result of the company’s negligence.
The accident happened when the company was building a mezzanine floor which had a hole left for a lift. The HSE’s investigation found that there was no safety guard around the hole or board covering it to prevent employees falling down the 3.5 metre drop to the concrete floor below.
As a result of the worker stepping backwards through the hole, he sustained life threatening injuries including a severe brain injury. He was in hospital for 2 months and has not been able to return to work.
The Crown Court fined the construction company £20k and ordered them to pay costs of £9165.56 after they pleaded guilty to a breach of the Work at Height Regulations, Regulation 6(3).
An HSE Inspector commented “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.
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