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.
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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
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