Bolton, United Kingdom (PRWEB UK) 15 October 2013
The 46 year-old self-employed joiner, from Bradford, was hired by MD Construction Ltd to assist in the removal of ventilation turrets from a warehouse roof at Johnsons Apparelmaster in Leeds. (1)
He was sat upon the roof ridge, maneuvering slate to cover an opening that was left by one of the turrets that had been removed; as he was working, his knee fell through a nearby rooflight. This caused the worker to fall six metres, to the factory floor below. As a result of the accident, he suffered from a broken elbow and severe bruising. (1)
The incident took place on 22 November 2010, and was investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), as a result, MD Construction Ltd of Westgate Hill Street, Bradford, was prosecuted. (1)
Leeds Magistrates' Court heard that the firm had been contracted by Johnsons, requesting that they remove five roof turrets, with the aim of preventing water getting in to its warehouse, in Stoney Rock Lane, Harehills. (1)
MD Construction had identified that there were potentially fragile rooflights where the work would be taking place, and they had provided Johnsons with a risk assessment for the work. They hired the joiner to do the job, and also supplied a laborer. (1)
However, despite the provision of a full risk assessment,the company failed to put safety measures in place.(1)
Commenting on the incident, Thomas Fairclough, Asons Executive, stated that;
“Falls at work are the most common cause of construction industry workplace deaths, with falls through fragile surfaces accounting for a fifth of the fatalities. Luckily, these injuries were not fatal. However, he has still endured serious personal injury, and experienced suffering that could have been prevented, had the correct health and safety procedures been implemented.”
MD Construction (Bradford) Ltd was today (4 Oct) fined £5,000 with £15,000 towards costs, after being found guilty of a breach of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. (Y&H/186/13)
After the hearing HSE inspector Martin Hutton said:
"Falls through fragile materials during roof works are an all too common occurrence and the risks are well known in the construction-related industries. While the injuries in this case were not severe, it is only by sheer good fortune that no one was killed.
"A few simple precautions by MD Construction Ltd could have prevented this incident from happening in the first place. Where work near fragile roof materials is necessary, boards or barriers of sufficient strength should be used to cover the area and prevent people or materials falling through.
"Work at height carries significant risk. This prosecution should serve as a reminder of the essential need to properly plan, supervise and carry out these tasks safely."
According to the HSE, 40 workers were killed, and more than 3,400 were seriously injured, in falls from height in 2011/12. (2)
If you, or someone you know, have suffered, then you may be able to make a fall at work claim. Asons Solicitors deal with Joinery related personal injury claims, COPD and vibration white finger, you can contact them on: 01204 521 133 or you can fill out their claim form at http://www.asons.co.uk
(1) Joner’s fall lands Bradford firm in court - http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2013/rnn-yh-18613.htm - HSE October 2013
(2) Falls from height in the workplace - http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/index.htm - HSE October 2013
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About Asons Solicitors:
Asons Solicitors is a Bolton-based law practice that specialises in personal injury and industrial disease claims. Founded by brothers Imran Akram and Kamran Akram, Asons Solicitors has developed to become a young and dynamic law firm that delivers practical solutions to clients in times of difficulty. Their continued focus on their staff has seen them awarded with the Investors in People “Gold Award”; which is reflected in the professional and personable approach they take in working with clients. They strive to grow and to develop, and their supportiveness and attention to detail ensures that their clients use them time and again.
For further information contact:
Email: info(at)asons(dot)co.uk
Website: http://www.asons.co.uk