Worker falls through fragile floor

Basildon Magistrates’ Court heard how, on 8 January 2016, a worker was asked to sort shoes which were stored on a floor, next to an unprotected area of fragile ceiling tiles. The worker fell through the fragile ceiling tiles, approximately 2.7m to the floor below suffering serious injuries to their pelvis which resulted in a five day stay in hospital.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the company had not implemented control measures for employees working near fragile ceiling tiles.

Indulgence Patisserie Limited of Clough Road, Colchester pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 9(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and has been fined £50,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,151.50

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Jessica Churchyard said, “Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work related fatalities in this country and the risks associated with working at height are well-known. 

“Working on or near fragile surfaces should be properly assessed and managed. This case highlights the importance for companies to assess and control risks created by non-routine tasks.”