Unsafe scaffolding puts workers at risk

Beverley Magistrates Court heard how a routine Health and Safety Executive inspection found an employee working on unsafe scaffolding at a house extension in Molescroft, Beverley on 7 September 2009.

The investigation found employees of Shane Homes Limited were working on the first floor extension when they were put at risk of a fall of up to four metres. No edge protection was in place on the scaffolding and the access ladder was too short and not secured.

Shane Homes Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and received a fine of £1,000 and ordered to pay £799 costs.

Following the hearing HSE Inspector, Geoff Clark said: "Falls from height remain the largest cause of fatal and serious injuries in the construction industry. The scaffolding at the Shane Homes construction site was dangerous and people should not have been expected to use it.

Inspector Clark concluded: "The law is quite clear and there is much guidance provided by the HSE and industry bodies on the required standards for working at height. We hope the prosecution serves as a reminder to companies using scaffolding that they need to ensure it is erected by trained and competent people, and that it is safe to use."

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