Prosecutions

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) brought the case to court after an employee died when he was struck on the head by a reinforced steel joist.

His employer was recently fined £10,000 at Harlow Magistrates' Court, and was also ordered to pay £3,230 costs. The employer had already pleaded guilty to a breach of Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

The deceased had been employed as a labourer to help with the refurbishment of a domestic property. On 24 October 2006, he was helping to lift a reinforced steel joist with four other workers when it fell and struck him on the head. He was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.

The HSE has now issued a warning to do everything possible to minimise the risks when working with heavy materials, in particular sole traders who employ labourers.

An Inspector from the HSE commented: "This tragic incident could have been prevented if the employer had made sure his workers were not left exposed to unnecessary risks.

"There is plenty of advice and guidance available from the HSE to help people comply with the law and keep workers safe.  However, for those who fall short of the law, the HSE will not hesitate to take action."