Failure to put precautions in place to protect workers from falling has led to a fine for a major crane hire company
Crane hire company Terex Cranes UK Ltd has been fined for failing to adhere to health and safety guidance for working at height.
The case, which was brought before High Wycombe Magistrates Court, revealed how a worker fractured his vertebrae during the incident.
The 54-year-old fell when he was working on the platform of a crane. The incident, which occurred on 14 March 2016, saw the man fall from 2m above ground level.
Guidance on working safely at height can be downloaded from the Construction Plant-Hire Association.
Incident could have been avoided
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) carried out an investigation following the incident. It was discovered that the fall could have been avoided if there had been reasonable measures in place.
Terex Cranes UK Ltd pleaded guilty to Regulation (4) of the Working at Height Regulations 2005 at High Wycombe Magistrates. The firm was fined £50,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1699.52, as well as a £170 victim surcharge.
Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Stephen Faulkner said: “This case highlights the importance of ensuring that workers have reasonable measures in place while working at height and it is carried out in a safe manner.
“The company has now initiated a system of work platforms which would have prevented the falls.”
