Construction Firm Employees Injured in Accident at Work
A London construction firm has been fined for an accident at work incident in which four employees were injured.
Accident at work incident
At the time of the incident construction firm Leyland SDM (LSDM) Limited was undertaking a warehouse redevelopment project in Wembley.
Westminster Magistrates Court heard how four workers attempted to move a ventilation unit into position when the working platform they were using became overloaded and gave way.
All four men were injured after falling over three and a half meters to the ground below. The court heard how two of the workers sustained leg fractures and another suffered a broken collar bone.
HSE investigation
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found a number of safety failings led to the accident at work incident. Firstly, the investigation found that LSDM failed to manage the risks involved when carrying out work at height. Secondly, it was found that the company failed to manage the risks involved when carrying out the lifting operation. Finally, it was found that the company failed to have the appropriate level of supervision and trained personnel in place in order to effectively carry out the task in a safe way.
Sentencing & fines
LSDM of Fourth Way, Wembley pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 6 (3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and Regulation 4 (1) of the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. The firm were fined a total of £450,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1038.
HSE inspector Jack Wilby said after the hearing:
“The safety failings by this company are severe and it is lucky that the injuries were not more severe. This incident highlights the importance of planning work, in this case both for lifting operations and working from height, to ensure it is carried out safely.”
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
