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Firm fined after scaffolding accident

Rafferty Chimneys Engineering Ltd of Nash Peake Street, was working at a site in Tunstall when employee Kevin Ford fell one-and-a-half metres to the ground, badly injuring his heel.

The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, regarding measures to ensure employee safety, and was also ordered to pay £5,000 in costs.

Newcastle-under-Lyme magistrates heard how in March 2009 the company had been contracted to inspect four 20-metre tall steel chimneys at Churchill China (UK) Ltd pottery firm. A tower scaffold was used to access the eves of the roof.

However, a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation revealed that the tower's guard rail was too low, it did not use the right boards and no toe boards were in place to secure the worker.

Mr Ford fell when he was dismantling the tower scaffold at the end of the job. He had lowered a board down from the upper level when he slipped, suffering a serious fracture to the heel of his left foot. He needed pins inserted into the bone and spent 16 weeks in plaster.

"Working at height is the most common cause of workplace injuries and this incident shows the very real dangers, no matter what the distance to the ground," HSE inspector Guy Dale said after the ruling.

"With the right equipment and a proper risk assessment this could have been prevented. As it was, there were so many instances and potential for falls throughout the day leading up to this event that it was lucky both men weren't involved in serious injuries."

Last year there were 1,396 major injuries to workers, as well as 3,044 workers having to take in excess of three days off work caused by falls from height.

If you've been involved in an accident and are in need of the best legal representation in the region, then give us a call on either 01604 828282 or 01908 660966. Alternatively you can complete our online contact form. Our specialist team of accident claims solicitors are always on hand to help.

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