Construction Firm Fined by the Health & Safety Executive
A construction company has been fined by the Health and Safety Executive after a worker sustained crush injuries when he was struck by an excavator.
Incident
Complete Demolition Ltd had been contracted to demolish a school in Ellesmere Port when the incident occurred. During the clearing of the site at Stanney Lane, an employee of Complete Demolition Ltd was operating a skip wagon – attempting to reverse the vehicle into a spot to park. However, the excavator that was moving out of the way in order to let the wagon park up struck another worker who was standing close by. The impact knocked the employee to the ground and the excavator’s tracks ran over his foot.
The 45 year old worker suffered crush injuries to his left foot, leaving him in constant pain. Liverpool Crown Court heard how numerous surgeries were required to rebuild the foot and that he has been unable to work since the incident occurred in November 2013.
HSE Investigation
An investigation into the incident by the HSE found that there was ‘insufficient control of workers on the site’. The investigation also found that the measures taken to ensure vehicles and pedestrians were separated were poor.
After pleading guilty to breaches of Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and Regulation 13(2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007.
Speaking after the hearing HSE Inspector Deborah Walker said:
“This was an entirely foreseeable incident which could have been avoided. The company failed to properly plan for the duration of the works putting pedestrians at risk.”
Injury 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
