A construction company based in Sheffield has been issued a fine of £550,000 after a worker fall death
Electrician Matthew Mason was fatally injured after falling from a stepladder whilst installing a public address system at Bearsden Train Station on Tuesday 5 June 2018.
Matthew was trying to free a speaker cable that had become stuck when he fell from a stepladder onto metal piping.
The piping pierced his side causing internal injuries and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Linbrooke Services Limited failed to plan and risk assess the work being carried out
The construction company failed to adequately identify the risks involved with pulling cables through a conduit at height even though they had been informed of the problems met by a sub-contractor in an earlier attempt.
Stepladders were unsuitable for the work being carried out. There were insufficient measures in place to prevent a fall from height.
They also failed to adequately identify the risks involved with the use of improvised cable dispensing methods or ensure that the surrounding area was free of material which could cause injury in the event of a fall from height.
The construction company was ordered to pay £200,000 in compensation after worker fall death
Linbrooke Services Limited was found guilty of breaches of health and safety and working at height regulations at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on 30 March 2023.
The company was also ordered to pay the deceased’s family £200,000 in compensation.
Falls from height are the greatest cause of death in the construction industry
Debbie Carroll, health and safety investigations lead for the COPFS, said: “Matthew Mason lost his life in circumstances which were foreseeable and avoidable.
“His death could have been prevented had Linbrooke Services Limited put in place appropriate planning, supervision, and protective measures to manage the risk of working at height.
“It is well known that falls from height are one of the single greatest causes of death and serious injury to workers within the construction industry.
“From the evidence heard here there needs to be an increased recognition and rigour within the industry in addressing the risks associated with the use of stepladders.
“This prosecution should remind duty holders that a failure to fulfil their obligations can have fatal consequences and they will be held accountable for this failure.”
