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Safety and Health Practitioner (SHP) is first for independent health and safety news.
March 2, 2012

Horse trainer in dock following stables roof fall

A racing-stables owner in Yorkshire has admitted failing to adequately protect a yard worker who fell through a skylight in a stable block.

Northallerton Magistrates’ Court heard that the incident took place on 2 July 2010 at Thorndale Farm near Richmond, which was owned by trainer and bloodstock agent Alan Swinbank.

Paul Cusson, who had worked on the farm for 26 years, was asked by Swinbank to cut down overhanging trees above an ageing stable block before renovation work could began. He accessed the roof with a chainsaw, despite not being trained how to work at height, or how to use the machine.

While he was sawing the branches he slipped on some leaves and fell through a skylight. He landed on a concrete floor three metres below and suffered a fractured rib, punctured lung, and two broken shoulder blades. He has been unable to return to work owing to his injuries.

During the investigation the HSE issued two Prohibtion Notices, which prevented further work with chainsaws, and work at height to cease until workers were adequately trained in these activities. €

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