Man Seriously Injured in Accident at Work

A construction company in Northumberland has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following an accident at work incident, in which a joiner sustained serious injuries in a four meter fall.

Incident

At the time of the incident, the joiner was working for principle contractor, Oakland Homes (North East) Limited at a new development in Whalton, Northumberland. The joiner fell backwards over the edge of the scaffolding as he was carrying out unplanned work to fit a weather vane to a roof. He suffered a large cut to the back of his head and a fractured vertebra after falling onto the uneven ground below.

HSE Investigation

An investigation by the HSE found that on the day of the incident, 4 August 2015, the construction company had failed to ‘plan, manage and monitor the installation of the weather vane’.

Northumberland Magistrates’ Court heard that untrained workers had altered scaffolding on the site, resulting in inadequate edge protection.

Sentencing

After pleading guilty to breaching Regulations 13(1) the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, Oakland Homes (North East) Limited of Hillside West, Rothbury, Northumberland was fined £50,000. The company was also ordered to pay costs of £800.

Accident at Work – Expert Advice

We are personal injury claims experts – our specialist accident claims solicitors are here to provide you with on-going valuable support.

If you have been injured in the workplace and you would like expert advice on this type of case, contact Hampson Hughes Solicitors today on 0800 888 6 888 or email for a FREE initial consultation.

Source: Health & Safety Executive