Construction Firm Fined for Accident at Work

A construction company based in Lincolnshire was fined after a contractor was seriously injured in an accident at work incident.

Accident at Work Incident

M & L Installers Ltd had been contracted to install a mezzanine floor at a factory in Surrey. The design of the floor included a hole so that an elevator could be fitted at a later date.

Guildford Crown Court heard how a contractor who was working on the floor stepped backwards and fell through the hole. He sustained life threatening injuries after falling 3.5 meters to the concrete floor below.

Injuries

The contractor suffered a severe brain injury for which he was kept in hospital for 2 months. He has been unable to return to work since the incident on 13 January 2015.

HSE Investigation

An investigation into the accident at work incident by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the firm had failed to board up or guard the hole to prevent someone from falling through.

Sentencing

M & L Installers Ltd pleaded guilty to a breach of the Work at Height Regulations, Regulation 6(3). The construction firm were fined £20,000 and ordered to pay £9,165.56 in costs.

HSE Inspector, Amanda Huff, said 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”.

Accident at work – expert advice

Compensation may be available if you have been injured in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault. More information can be found via our ‘Accidents at Work’ page.

To begin your accident at work claim, contact us today. Remember, we offer you a FREE no obligation-consultation. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .

Source: Health & Safety Executive