Fall from platform lands construction company fine

Peterlee Magistrates’ Court heard that, on 28 August 2018, during refurbishment work at Old Eldon Farm, Shildon, a site operative fell from a raised platform. The operative was undertaking work to fit rafters to the roof at the Farm, when he fell approximately 2.2 metres to the floor below, knocking him unconscious.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Greens Property Developments Limited had failed to ensure that, so far as was reasonably practicable, construction work was carried out without risks to health and safety by failing to plan, manage and monitor work at height.

Greens Property Developments Limited of Chester Road, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13 (1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and was fined £18,000 and ordered to pay £25,10.41 costs.

After the hearing HSE inspector, Andrew Woodhall, said: “Falls from height often result in life-changing or fatal injuries. In most cases, these incidents are needless and could be prevented by properly planning, managing and monitoring the work to ensure that effective preventative and protective measures are in place. Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those who fall below the required standards.”