Construction company, Fascel Group has been fined £36,000 after an employee was injured when a water pump set weighing over 700kg fell on him
Fascel Group Limited has been fined after a pipefitter was injured when a water pump set weighing over 700kg fell on him at a construction site.
Southwark Crown Court heard how, on 15 January 2016, a pipe fitter working for Fascel Group was working on the transfer of a pump set from its pallet to a raised platform in Goodman’s Fields, East London. The pump set fell on him.
As a result, the worker was pinned beneath the unit, and he sustained serious injuries including multiple fractures and dislocations.
HSE investigation
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) discovered that Fascel Group had been contracted to do mechanical and engineering works on the project that included the installation of the pump set. The company had failed to ensure that a safe system of work for the moving and positioning of the pump set was communicated to the operatives undertaking the work.
Fascel Group pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 15(2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and was fined £36,000 with £34,235.45 costs.
HSE inspector Gabriella Dimitrov, said: “Those in control of work have a responsibility to devise safe methods of working and to provide the necessary information, instruction, and training to their workers.
“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
Regulation 15(2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
A contractor must plan, manage and monitor construction work carried out either by the contractor or by workers under the contractor’s control, to ensure that, so far as is reasonably practicable, it is carried out without risks to health and safety.
