A London-based relocation and refurbishment company has been fined after a worker was seriously injured when he fell from height.
Luton Crown Court heard that, an engineer was testing a sprinkler system for leaks at a site in Hemel Hempstead. He climbed onto an internal roof and was inspecting the leak from an extension ladder. The ladder slipped away from him and he fell almost three meters into the gap between the internal roof and the external wall. The worker suffered severe blood loss, amounting around half of his bloodstream. He required a blood transfusion and needed 14 stiches to his head. He also sustained fractured vertebrae and suffered soft tissue damage.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that reasonably practicable measures had not been taken to prevent a fall from the internal roof for both the engineer and other contractors working on the roof. The investigation found that Modus Workspace Limited, the principal contractor, had failed to discharge its duty to ensure those not in their employment were not exposed to risks, in particular that of falling from height.
Modus Workspace Limited of Greencoat Place, London was found guilty of breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and, after a five-week trial, the company was fined £1.1 million and ordered to pay costs of £68,116.18.
Published: 03-06-2020