Don't look down
An engineering company in Tyne and Wear was fined £20,000 after a worker fractured his pelvis and suffered internal injuries after falling through a petrol station forecourt canopy, whilst he was replacing the guttering.
An engineering company in Tyne and Wear was fined £20,000 after a worker fractured his pelvis and suffered internal injuries after falling through a petrol station forecourt canopy, whilst he was replacing the guttering.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that no risk assessment or method statement was carried out prior to the task. Had it been, this would have identified the need for effective control measures to prevent employees falling from the edge of the canopy, or through the exposed fragile roof surface.
The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 at Gateshead Magistrates’ Court on 12 October 2022. They were fined £20,000, with £7,825 costs and a victim surcharge of £190.
Speaking after the hearing, the HSE Inspector commented this was an incident which could have been easily avoided.
This case emphasises the importance of taking the time to conduct a suitable and sufficient risk assessment (s3 The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999) and using that assessment to ensure that the proper planning, supervision of and the carrying out of that work is conducted safely.
This will be applicable to all our clients who are employers and/or have contracted services on site. Working at Height will always require a risk assessment, prior to any work being undertaken, whether that work be on a ladder, a roof or a high-rise building. We have a large portfolio of clients to whom this will be directly applicable, from schools to retail businesses, to construction companies. If you have any questions, or have had contact from the HSE in relation to an incident or a notice, please get in touch with us.
You may be interested in...
Online Event
Handling parent complaints against staff: Panel discussion
Legal Update
When roads diverge regulating autonomous vehicles: EU v UK approaches
Legal Update
FCA launches consultation on broker remuneration for multi-occupancy buildings insurance
Online Event
Pupillage open evening
Press Release
Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill: Comments from education lawyers
Legal Update
School exclusions case confirms ‘substance over form’ is key
Legal Update - Food and drink regulatory update
Food for Thought: Food and drink regulatory update: Winter 2024
Legal Update
How the new junk food regulations will reshape Christmas advertising
Legal Update
DEFRA provides clarity around the GB wide 'Not for EU' labelling obligations
Legal Update
How the Regulatory Innovation Office could stir up the food and drink sector
Legal Update
Stark increase in rates of school suspensions and exclusions
Legal Update
Martyn’s Law: Paving the way for enhanced security measures across UK venues and events
Online Event
Embracing AI to improve school governance
Legal Update
A call to councils: Implementing effective tree management to prevent future tragedies
Legal Update
Navigating the new 'Failure to Prevent Fraud' Offence: What organisations need to know
Press Release
Comments on the latest SEND tribunal statistics
On-Demand
Managing safeguarding allegations against staff
Online Event - Shared Insights
Shared Insights: Duty of Candour
Guide - PFI expiry
PFI expiry guidance for schools
Legal Update
UK consumer law: What is changing and how might it affect retailers?
Legal Update
The power of storytelling (and curiosity)
Legal Update - Maternity services
University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust invest in telemetry to improve maternity care and patient experience in labour
Legal Update
The new Mental Health Bill 2025: A closer look at its key provisions
Opinion - Shared Insights
Browne Jacobson submits recommendations and proposals to the government for England’s 10 Year Health Plan
Press Release
Browne Jacobson advises Oxford City Council on Barton Park affordable housing deal
Podcast - #EdInfluence
#EdInfluence podcast (series 4): In conversation with inspiring leaders
Press Release - School leaders survey
Browne Jacobson’s latest School Leaders Survey illustrates need for better SEND guidance as exclusions rise
Press Release
New hires at Browne Jacobson will support schools with data compliance amid enhanced ICO scrutiny
Legal Update - School leaders survey
School Leaders Survey Autumn 2024: The results are in
Legal Update
Environmental crime and the impact for insurers
Legal Update
What might a Trump victory mean for the UK insurance industry?
Opinion
Empowering your workforce: Key tips on adjustments for new starters
Legal Update - Be Connected (schools)
Be Connected: Schools and academy trusts November 2024
Legal Update
Know your dispute resolution clauses: Key take-aways from Kajima v Children’s Ark and Lancashire Schools v Lendlease
Opinion
Duty of candour and patient safety incidents: Proposed amendments to CQC Regulations
On-Demand
Shaping a culture of respect and safety: Preventing sexual harassment in our schools
Legal Update
Funding withdrawn for trusts and academy conversions
Legal Update
Top five takeaways for schools on the Employment Rights Bill
Legal Update
Martyn's Law: A closer look at the UK's new proposed anti-terror measures
