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Construction Company Fined for Void Fall

Posted By:Roof Edge

Category: News

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Category: News

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An East Dunbartonshire construction company has been fined nearly £10,000 after a worker fell through a roof and suffered life changing injuries.

The self-employed joiner was working on a construction site in Glasgow, when he fell about 3.6m onto a pile of timber cut-offs, sustaining multiple fractures to his ribs and to his spine.

The HSE investigation found that even though the company had a risk assessment in place, it did not have sufficient measures in place to prevent falls through a void in the building’s roof.

The company pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, and Section 33(1)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

Speaking after the hearing, the HSE Inspector 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. This incident might have been prevented if suitable and sufficient measures had been in place such as a crash desk or safety net.

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


Assessing the Risks

Work at height is by its very nature dangerous, so it’s essential that all work is assessed properly so that the work can be planned, and the necessary safety measures put in place to ensure that the work can be carried out safely at all times.


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