Health and safety training courses needed after paralysation
A demolition company boss has been fined because of a worker fall. The worker is now paralysed after falling from the Sunderland pub roof. The employee was 67 at the time of the 2010 incident. The owner of North Eastern Demolition Company decided to remove the slates and timbers by hand from the pitched roof. A platform with mobile access capabilities was used so the workers could reach the roof. The platform was meant to prevent falls from the roof edge. Unfortunately, the platform did not cover the entire length of the roof. After health and safety audits, the HSE determined the company should have had other fall prevention methods in place. The employee fell two stories, which was approximately 18 feet. The fall resulted in fractured vertebrae, damage to his right elbow, and fractures to his right leg. He suffered from a dislocated hip and collapsed right lung. He is now in permanent care at a nursing home.
The fall was an unnecessary one. Had proper measures been in place for the entire roof, the fall would not have occurred. This is why the HSE decided prosecution of the boss was essential. The fine is £20,000 with over £7,000 in additional fines. Health and safety training courses in proper risk assessment and prevention might be required to re-teach companies such as this one about preventative fall from heights measures. It never hurts to study regulations before any work at heights.
