“Building Firm in Court over Worker’s Multiple Injuries” Asons Solicitors Comment
Bolton, United Kingdom (PRWEB UK) 21 November 2013 -- The 50 year-old construction worker, from Masham, was sawing through steel sheets of a mezzanine floor when he began to lose his balance. As he began to feel unbalanced. He threw his saw through the opening he had created in the metal framework, and then fell himself, hitting the concrete floor four-metres below. (1)
The incident, on 7 August 2012, took place at a unit on the Pool Business Park, located just on the outskirts of Leeds. The incident was immediately investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). As a result of their investigation, the HSE prosecuted Ripley-based HACS Construction Ltd, at Leeds Magistrates’ Court, on the 5th of November 2013 (1)
As they were in the process of removing sheets a mezzanine floor, one of the removed steel sheets fell, the employee felt his feet getting closer to an open edge. As he looked through the hole, he began to panic, throwing his saw, and falling soon after. Despite sustaining numerous severe injuries, he has since been able to return to work. (1)
Magistrates heard that HACS Construction Ltd had failed to put precautions in place, which may have prevented their employees from falling from the mezzanine level, whilst lowering the floor. Although they had each been provided with safety harnesses, they were unsuitable, as neither employee had been given appropriate training on how to use them. (1)
Commenting on the incident, Thomas Fairclough, Asons Executive, stated that;
"HACS Construction Ltd should have ensured that their workers were trained for the tasks they were asked to do, and made aware of any immediate dangers. This accident also highlights the necessity of carrying out a proper risk assessment, which would have shown the serious risk of a fall at work."
The HSE said the HACS Construction had considered the use of a ‘crash deck’ as safe working platform when the work began, however, in an effort to save time these safety precautions were not implemented. (1)
Thomas Fairclough, Asons Executive, stated that;
“Falls at work are the most common cause of construction industry workplace deaths, with falls through fragile surfaces accounting for a fifth of the fatalities. Luckily, the injuries sustained were not fatal. However, he has still endured a serious personal injury, suffering which could have been prevented, had the correct health and safety procedures been implemented.” (1)
According to court documents, HACS Construction Ltd of Nidderdale House, Station Yard, Ripley, Harrogate, admitted to two breaches of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, and as a result they were fined a total of £16,000, and ordered to pay £7,847 towards costs. (S20130115) (1)
After the hearing, HSE Inspector Andy Denison said:
“It is shocking that some construction firms – which are well aware of the high levels of death and injury in their sector as well as the risks involved – are still not fully considering the safety of site workers. (1)
“There were many failings by HACS Construction Ltd that HSE discovered. They had not properly assessed the risks of the job; they didn’t provide the correct equipment to allow it to be done safely; adequate training was not given to the two men; there was no supervision, and they failed to take suitable precautions to prevent a fall. (1)
“There should be no compromises on worker safety, and HSE will continue to take robust action against firms and individuals who fall so far below expected standards.” (1)
According to the HSE, 35 workers were killed, and more than 4,600 were seriously injured, in falls from height in 2008/2009. (2)
If you, or someone you know, have suffered, then you may be able to make a fall at work claim. Asons Solicitors deal with other construction related personal injury claims, such as vibration white finger and occupational deafness on a regular basis, you can contact them on: 01204 521 133 or you can fill out their claim form at http://www.asons.co.uk
(1) Building firm in court over worker’s multiple injuries - http://press.hse.gov.uk/2013/building-firm-in-court-over-workers-multiple-injuries/ - HSE November 2013
(2) Falls from height in the workplace - http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/statistics.htm - HSE November 2013
About Asons Solicitors:
Asons Solicitors is a Bolton-based law practice that specialises in personal injury and industrial disease claims. Founded by brothers Imran Akram and Kamran Akram, Asons Solicitors has developed to become a young and dynamic law firm that delivers practical solutions to clients in times of difficulty. Their continued focus on their staff has seen them awarded with the Investors in People “Gold Award”; which is reflected in the professional and personable approach they take in working with clients. They strive to grow and to develop, and their supportiveness and attention to detail ensures that their clients use them time and again.
For further information contact:
Email: info(at)asons.co.uk
Website: http://www.asons.co.uk
Imran Akram, Asons Solicitors, http://www.asons.co.uk, +44 8448501062, [email protected]
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