Construction accidents 'entirely preventable'
February 18, 2008
Construction firms have again been warned to take "sensible, effective" precautions against the dangers of working at height.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued the latest warning following the prosecution of a Hertfordshire firm over serious injuries to two employees.
St Albans company Environmental Reclamation was fined £30,000 and ordered to pay over £20,000 in costs after two men working on a derelict barn fell through a fragile asbestos cement roof.
The workers suffered multiple fractures and spinal injuries which the HSE deemed "entirely preventable".
"Construction employers should take all reasonably practicable steps to protect their workers," HSE inspector Norman Macritchie emphasised.
He pointed out that falls from height are the greatest cause of fatality in the UK's construction industry.
Mr Macritchie concluded: "Work at height should always be meticulously planned, organised and carried out".
The principal contractor on the barn project, Luton firm Clarks Construction, was also fined and ordered to pay costs as a result of the accident.
Find out more about Construction Safety
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued the latest warning following the prosecution of a Hertfordshire firm over serious injuries to two employees.
St Albans company Environmental Reclamation was fined £30,000 and ordered to pay over £20,000 in costs after two men working on a derelict barn fell through a fragile asbestos cement roof.
The workers suffered multiple fractures and spinal injuries which the HSE deemed "entirely preventable".
"Construction employers should take all reasonably practicable steps to protect their workers," HSE inspector Norman Macritchie emphasised.
He pointed out that falls from height are the greatest cause of fatality in the UK's construction industry.
Mr Macritchie concluded: "Work at height should always be meticulously planned, organised and carried out".
The principal contractor on the barn project, Luton firm Clarks Construction, was also fined and ordered to pay costs as a result of the accident.
Find out more about Construction Safety
More Working at Height news:
Hospitality workshop focuses on slips and trips - December 2, 2008Final slice of health and safety Cake - December 1, 2008
British Gas pays £4,700 after accident - November 28, 2008
Offshore firms pay GBP 400,000 over accident - November 27, 2008
75% of firms inspected served prohibition notices - November 25, 2008
