February 1, 2012
Two Companies from Cambridge Prosecuted after Young Worker Falls from Roof and Breaks Back
A recent case hearing involving a packaging company (Anson Packaging Ltd.) and an engineering firm (Cambs Compressor Engineering Ltd.) concluded in them being fined around £70,000 and £38,000 costs. The case was registered after a 24-year-old worker, Anthony Strong, fell through a roof void to the floor of the factory and cracked his back.
Both companies based in Ely, Cambridge did ensure that risk was assessed but failed to see that measures were implemented. Similarly, height equipment and other safety equipment were provided before the work commenced but they did not confirm if they were using them or whether a proper and safe system was adopted to execute the job. Moreover, the worker competency at work at height was also not checked. These were the results of investigations by HSE inspectors at the accident site.
Anson Packaging Ltd. had hired an agency, Cambs Compressor Engineering Ltd. on a sub contract to install a moulding machine in the premises. A part of the job was to fit pipes that ran over the roof. This job was being executed by Anthony Strong and his co-worker. The location where they were working was the roof. In some places, protected walkways did not exist and they had to use crawl boards. Although they were prepared with harnesses, at some points they could not use them for want of suitable points to attach to on the roof. It was while crawling across a crawl board that Anthony Strong fell down a height of 6.5 meters through the roof void to the factory floor and injured himself with multiple fractures in the skull, spine and ribs.
Both the companies were penalized with a fine for negligence of health and safety measures.
All organisations need to be sure that they are giving the correct instructions to employees with regard to Health and Safety and Premises Management Law; Workplace Law Group offer qualifications certified by the National Examination Board for Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH construction), Certificate in Environmental Management (IEMA) and the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). Courses specialise in the latest requirements for health and safety and premises management and most recently environmental Management.
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