HSE issues warning after death of 17 year-old trainee
February 11, 2008
A warning has been issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to ensure trainee health and safety needs are taken care of after a 17 year-old worker died.
Steven Burke, from Levenshulme, Manchester, was killed after falling 18 metres while working to construct a scaffold within a 20-metre high sewage digester tank.
3D Scaffolding, his employers, contracts manager, David Swindell, and another contractor, Mowlem, plus a manager were fined a total of £217,500 and £125,000 costs at Manchester Crown Court.
Stephen Williams, HSE chief inspector of construction, said: "This is a very distressing case which should send the strongest message to everyone responsible for the safety of young workers."
He added that all industries, especially the construction sector, "rely on keen young people".
"However, employment opportunities must not come at the expense of young workers' safety," concluded Mr Williams.
The fines come as part of an HSE initiative to carry out 1,000 spot checks on refurbishment and construction sites.
Find out more about Working at Height
Steven Burke, from Levenshulme, Manchester, was killed after falling 18 metres while working to construct a scaffold within a 20-metre high sewage digester tank.
3D Scaffolding, his employers, contracts manager, David Swindell, and another contractor, Mowlem, plus a manager were fined a total of £217,500 and £125,000 costs at Manchester Crown Court.
Stephen Williams, HSE chief inspector of construction, said: "This is a very distressing case which should send the strongest message to everyone responsible for the safety of young workers."
He added that all industries, especially the construction sector, "rely on keen young people".
"However, employment opportunities must not come at the expense of young workers' safety," concluded Mr Williams.
The fines come as part of an HSE initiative to carry out 1,000 spot checks on refurbishment and construction sites.
Find out more about Working at Height
More Construction news:
Peter Ernest Homes pays GBP 6,500 after accident - January 7, 2009Laing O'Rourke fined GBP 80,000 - January 7, 2009
Company owner 'to be prosecuted for manslaughter' - January 5, 2009
South Yorkshire construction sector targeted by HSE - January 2, 2009
Safety intervention 'necessary for older workers' - January 2, 2009
