A London based refurbishment and relocation company has been fined £1.1million after one of their workers was severely injured after falling from a height.
The case took place at Luton Crown Court who heard that prior to the accident the worker (an engineer) was testing a sprinkler system for leaks at a site in Hemel Hempstead on the 5th of September 2016. The worker “climbed onto an internal roof and was inspecting the leak from an extension ladder”. The ladder “slipped away from him” resulting in him falling almost three metres into the gap between the internal roof and the external wall. He sustained several significant injuries including a head injury and severe blood loss (amounting to half his bloodstream). The worker also fractured his vertebrae and suffered soft tissue damage. He required a blood transfusion and 14 stitches in his head.
An investigation conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that “reasonably practicable measures had not been taken to prevent a fall from the internal roof for both the engineer and other contractors working on the roof.” It further found that the principal contractor, Modus Workspace Limited had not succeeded in ensuring those not in their employment were not exposed to risk, especially that of falling from height.
HSE inspector John Berezansky, commented: “This case highlights the importance of taking reasonably practicable measures when planning and managing the risks regarding work at height within the construction industry.
“Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work-related fatalities and injuries in this country and the risks and control measures associated with working at height are well known.
“The engineer’s injuries were significant and could have been worse. This serious incident could have been avoided if basic safety measures had been put in place.” If you have been affected by an accident at work, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Wolf Law accident solicitors in Liverpool.
