A demolition company has been fined just £5,000 after a worker fell 30 feet to his death when part of a pipe bridge platform collapsed
John Gary Robertson employed by CBR02 Limited suffered multiple injuries following a fall from height at Longannet Power Station, Fife on 6 February 2019.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive and Police Scotland found that the section of metal grating on the pipe bridge had been extremely corroded.
The corroded pipe bridge had been highlighted by the client
CBR02 Limited failed to undertake a suitable and sufficient risk assessment by failing to record the hazardous condition of the pipe bridge. The risk assessment did not address the severely corroded nature of the pipe bridge, despite that being previously highlighted and requested by the client, Scottish Power.
The demolition company failed to put necessary control measures in place to inform employees of the hazardous condition of the pipe bridge and to prevent access to it.
Guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
CBR02 Limited of Hertford Road, Middlesex pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court ordered the company to pay a fine of £5,000.
Falls from height are one of the most common causes of work-related fatalities
Speaking after the case HSE principal inspector, David Charnock, 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.
“In this case, adequate communication of suitable information and instructions would have made employees aware of the unsafe condition of the pipe bridge platform.”
