Four Metre Fall onto Concrete
A 50 year old worker from Weymouth sustained serious injuries following a fall of over four metres onto a concrete floor in 2012. The case has now been settled.
What Happened?
In a prosecution brought by the Health and Safety Executive, Weymouth Magistrates’ Court learned that the worker (who does not wish to be named) fell through a fragile ceiling while fixing a light.
The man suffered a broken hip and head injuries, and lost his job with the firm.
What was the Result?
HSE uncovered a lack of proper planning and that the equipment supplied to the worker was inadequate (the man had used a ladder because a cherry picker had been removed from the site by the company).
Portland Stone Firms Limited of Easton Street, Portland, Dorset was found guilty of breaching the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
The company was ordered to pay costs of £18,992, and fined £20,000
HSE inspector Mehtaab Hamid commented:
“Employers must ensure that all work at height, particularly work on fragile roofs, is
properly planned and organised and that employees are protected from falls.
In this case, Portland Stone Firms neglected to implement basic safety
measures to minimise the risk of falls and failed in its duty to
ensure the health and safety of its employee.
“Employers have a legal duty to manage safety and
failing to do so too often ends in tragedy.”
If you have been affected by an accident at work, and you would like expert advice, contact Hampson Hughes Solicitors today on 0800 888 6888 or email
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