Labourer fractures skull in stairwell fall

The injured employee, who was 26 on the time of the incident, had been appointed by BHG (Stone) Restricted, the principal contractor, as a labourer. On 5 December 2023, he was aiding with the set up of wall insulation on the primary ground of the constructing.

To achieve the highest nook of the wall, the employee positioned a ladder throughout the stairwell opening. Whereas finishing up the duty, he fell from the ladder via the opening to the bottom under.

The autumn resulted in critical accidents, together with fractures to his cranium and again.

An HSE investigation discovered that BHG (Stone) Restricted did not correctly plan the work and didn’t put in place appropriate measures to forestall or shield towards a fall from top.

The investigation additionally discovered that firm director Alistair Howells was working in shut proximity to the injured employee and had allowed the work to be carried out in an unsafe method.

BHG (Stone) Restricted, of Staffordshire pleaded responsible to security breaches and was fined £16,000 and ordered to pay £4,000 in prices at Telford Magistrates Court docket final week.

Alistair Howells, 58, of Staffordshire additionally pleaded responsible and was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £1,386 in prices.

HSE Inspector Sara Andrews mentioned: “This incident highlights the significance of enterprise a radical evaluation of the dangers related to all work at top actions and making certain appropriate management measures are in place.

“Had the work been correctly deliberate and sequenced, and appropriate work gear supplied, this incident wouldn’t have occurred.”