A London-based construction firm has received a £450,000 fine after four workers sustained serious injuries while working at height
A fine has been handed to a firm for safety failings after workers sustained serious injuries. London-based construction firm Leyland SDM (LSDM) Limited was given a £450,000 fine after four workers fell from height.
The incident occurred during the redevelopment of a warehouse in Wembley, London. The four workers were carrying a ventilation unit. However, when they tried to move the equipment into position the platform they were stood on became overloaded and gave way.
The four workers fell almost four metres. Two of the workers sustained leg fractures. A broken collar was also suffered as a result of the incident.
Investigation
A subsequent Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation discerned the firm was at fault and had failed to manage the risks of working at height correctly.
Furthermore, LSDM had not correctly managed the risks when carrying out the lifting operation.
The investigation revealed that staff did not have the right training and the correct supervision was not in place to carry out these tasks safely and effectively.
The case was brought before Westminster Magistrates’ Court. LSDM pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 6 (3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and Regulation 4 (1) of the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.
The firm was handed a £450,000 fine and ordered to pay costs of £1,038.
HSE inspector Jack Wilby said: “The safety failings by this company are severe and it is lucky that the injuries were not more severe.
“This incident highlights the importance of planning work, in this case both for lifting operations and working from height, to ensure it is carried out safely.”
