Two workers were injured after falling from a work platform, which was described as “ridiculous and utterly unacceptable” by an HSE inspector.
On 19 November 2009, Sohail Hussain, trading as Harris Signs, had been contracted to repair a sign above the entrance of the Metro Inn hotel in Stockton-on-Tees, Durham. Hussain erected a 4.5m tall scaffolding platform but this was not high enough to reach the wind-damaged sign, which was more than 8.5m above the ground. To cover the full distance, he placed an extension ladder on top of the platform, so he could reach the sign.
Hussain climbed the ladder and began tightening the sign’s fixings, while his colleague stood on top of the platform holding the ladder in place. But the platform, which was unstable and had no edge protection, overturned due to high winds, causing both men to fall to the ground. Hussain sustained injuries to his knee and the other man suffered a fractured right wrist and dislocated his right elbow.
HSE inspector Jonathan Wills said: “Both Mr Hussain and the other man are lucky to be alive. The platform erected by Mr Hussain bore no resemblance to the correct standard. This incident was entirely avoidable and should not have happened. Working at height is one of the most obvious and well-known dangers for those involved in the repair or maintenance of buildings.”
Hussain appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on 2 June and pleaded guilty to breaching reg. 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, for failing to take adequate steps to prevent falls. He was fined £1000 and ordered to pay the same amount in costs.
In mitigation, Hussain said he had no previous convictions and had entered an early guilty plea. He said he deeply regretted the incident and has subsequently invested in suitable equipment to allow him to work at height safely. He accepted that the method of work was unsuitable and explained how he completed the job by renting a van-mounted elevated work platform. He has also placed himself on a waiting list for a work at height training course.
Following the hearing inspector Wills added: “Not only was the scaffold unstable due to its height-to-base ratio but it also didn’t include anything to prevent workers falling from its edge, such as guard rails.
“The decision by Mr Hussain to support the ladder on top of the platform was ridiculous and utterly unacceptable. Had he used mobile elevated work equipment, such as a scissor lift, or a tied-in scaffold, then this potentially fatal incident could have been avoided.”
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I think the injuries sustained are more of a deterrent than any fine could be. No matter how large the fine is, even if it bankrups the man, or the company, or both, there is no likelihood that it would make any difference to these men’s careless attitude.
So where does the owner/client come in this regarding competency of contractors or is a case of Good Old Yellow Pages, go for the cheapest then whing that it is not their fault!
HASWA 3 conduct of undertaking?
This was an incredibly stupid method of work and it’s amazing that neither man was killed. Will a £1000 fine really a strong enough punishment to ensure that Sohail Hussain doesn’t cut corners in future? I am not convinced that this fine is strong enough as it doesn’t accurately reflect the pure stupidity of the method of work.