Poole firm fined for accident at workRSS Feed

A Poole building firm has been fined after an accident at work left a carpenter with a fractured spine.

Sixty-year-old Michael McCarthy from Verwood, had been contracted by P O Sharps Landscapes Ltd to construct the roof of a house extension in the town when the incident occurred in 2008.

He fell three metres from scaffolding while working on site, fracturing his spine and ankles, and is now unable to work.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation revealed that there were no guardrails on the platform and that the ladder had been incorrectly positioned.

After pleading guilty to breaching working at height regulations, P O Sharps Landscapes was fined £4,000.

HSE inspector Frank Flannery commented: "Falls from height can cause significant and life-changing injuries and duty holders must take steps to prevent falls wherever possible."

New figures from the HSE show that there were 50 fatalities in the construction sector over the last year, more than any other industry.

Accident claims advice from Serious Law

Posted by M E Dixon 

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