BBC Studioworks and two others fined after worker seriously injured
Three companies have been fined after a contractor to BBC Studioworks Ltd fell more than 10 metres at Elstree Film Studios.
Harrow Crown Court was told how Eric Ihoeghinlan, an employee of Gabem Management Ltd, fell through a lighting grid hatch while recovering electrical cables for BBC Studioworks Ltd during a de-rigging operation.
He sustained multiple injuries including a blood clot to the brain, fractured pelvis and ankles, and a ruptured spleen. Due to the brain damage caused, it’s unknown if the man will ever work again.
The Health and Safety Executive’s investigation into the incident, which occurred on 18 November 2014, found the hatches of the lighting grids and the ends of one did not have any edge protection.
Fines
BBC Studioworks Ltd pleaded to breaching Sections 2 and 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, and was fined £200,000 and ordered to pay costs of more than £6,000.
Elstree Film Studios Ltd was found guilty of breaching Regulation 3 and Regulation 11 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and was fined £16,000 with costs of more than £39,000.
Elstree Light and Power Ltd was found guilty of breaching Sections 2 and 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, was fined £30,000 and ordered to pay costs of more than £39,000.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE Principal inspector Graham Tompkins said: “The employee’s injuries were life-changing and he could have easily been killed. This serious incident and the devastation caused could have been avoided if basic safe guards had been put in place.
“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”.
The Safety Conversation Podcast: Listen now!
The Safety Conversation with SHP (previously the Safety and Health Podcast) aims to bring you the latest news, insights and legislation updates in the form of interviews, discussions and panel debates from leading figures within the profession.
Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts, subscribe and join the conversation today!
BBC Studioworks and two others fined after worker seriously injured
Three companies have been fined after a contractor to BBC Studioworks Ltd fell more than 10 metres at Elstree Film Studios.
Alison Fava
SHP - Health and Safety News, Legislation, PPE, CPD and Resources Related Topics
Approach with caution – choosing the right wellbeing practitioner
Navigating the world of modern safety advice
Short-term fix? Mental Health First Aiders