Firms warned on falls from height
Construction
23rd October 2008
Businesses are being reminded to ensure employees working at height are properly protected after a man was paralysed following a fall.
TJ Myles Contractors was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay costs of over £7,000 for breaching section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
Meanwhile, Crispin & Borst Ltd were fined £10,000 at the City of London Magistrates Court for breaking section 3 (1) of the same legislation.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector Lisa Chappell said falls from height remain a common cause of fatalities in the construction sector.
She commented: "This case again highlights the absolute necessity for the creation and implementation of a site-specific assessment of work at height that is fit for purpose in order to identify appropriate measures to prevent injury."
According to the HSE, firms can part exchange bent or broken ladders for a new one with a discount of up to 50 per cent by taking part in their Ladder Exchange scheme.
Employers liability insurance is almost a must for companies involved in potentially dangerous operations.
