Asons Warn of Personal Injury Risk, After Joiner Dies After Falling from Roof
Bolton, UK (PRWEB UK) 3 December 2013 -- Liverpool Crown Court heard that Peter Winchurch had been hired to carry out roofing work to a semi-detached house in Skelmersdale, West Lancashire. The victim, aged 68, had been on the roof working on an extension to the house, when he fell nearly six metres from scaffolding. (1) (2)
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive discovered that the scaffolding was allegedly dangerous. As a consequence, TRU Ltd, the firm responsible for the construction site, was prosecuted. Moreover, it is alleged, that employees on the site were not trained in safety, and that neither risk assessments nor method statements were in place. (1)
It is alleged, that inadequate scaffolding, and in particular the lack of guard rails and inadequate decking, led to Mr Winchurch falling six metres from the roof. As a consequence, he suffered critical head injuries, and died in hospital the following day. (1)
Commenting on the incident, Adriano D’Ambrosio, Asons Executive, stated that:
“Falls at work are the biggest cause of workplace deaths in the construction industry. Unfortunately, in this incident, the self-employed worker has died as a result of his injuries.
“Mr Winchurch died because TRU Ltd didn’t do enough to protect him from the risks of working at height, despite being fully aware of the dangers of falls.”
“Accidents at work, like these, could be easily avoided, had the correct health and safety procedures been implemented.”
TRU Ltd was found guilty of two separate breaches of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined £170,000, and ordered to pay a further £82,145 in costs. (2)
Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Anthony Polec said:
“The failings by TRU Ltd were a significant cause of Mr Winchurch’s tragic death.
“The scaffolding was clearly dangerous, which meant that the risk of a worker being killed or seriously injured in a fall was highly foreseeable.
“The safeguards required were reasonably practicable, and there is much published guidance on the subject from HSE and the construction industry.” (1)
If you, or someone you know, have suffered, then you may be able to make a fall at work claim. Asons Solicitors deal with personal injury claims on a regular basis, you can contact them on: 01204 521 133 or you can fill out their claim form at http://www.asons.co.uk
(1) HSE - St Helens healthcare firm sentenced over fatal fall, 22/11/2013 press.hse.gov.uk/2013/st-helens-healthcare-firm-sentenced-over-fatal-fall/
(2) Liverpool Crown Court – Case Reference T20121815
ENDS –
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(dot)uk
Website: http://www.asons.co.uk
Imran Akram, Asons Solicitors, http://www.asons.co.uk, +44 8448501062, [email protected]
Share this article