Construction company fined £64k for height breach

Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court heard how on 15 October 2019, a routine inspection in Malvern, Worcestershire, observed a crane in an unsafe position on the roadside. 

The mobile crane was being operated in an unsuitable position, on a slope. There was not any plan for the lifting operation or a competent lift supervisor, putting workers and members of the public at risk.

Workers had also installed a temporary platform on scaffolding without any additional edge protection, as required by the regulations, to prevent a fall from height.

A Prohibition Notice (PN) was served immediately in response to the work at height breach and a Notification of Contravention and Improvement Notices (IN) were served in relation to planning for work at height and planning for lifting operations.

J F Wright Ltd of Brecon Close, Droitwich, Worcestershire pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and Regulation 8(1) of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. They were fined £64,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,926.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Chris Gregory said, “Although there were no incidents involved in the investigation, there was the potential for serious injuries or fatalities in two different areas of work being undertaken at the time of the inspection.

“Those in control of work have a responsibility to ensure that workers are adequately trained, properly supervised, and work activities are appropriately planned, managed and monitored.

“HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”