Consultancy Services

On 19 November 2009, a company which was contracted to carry out repairs to a Hotel sign erected a 4.5metre scaffolding platform but as this was not high enough to reach the sign, which was more than 8.5metres above the ground, he then placed an extension ladder on top of the platform to reach the sign.

The owner of the business climbed the ladder and began to tighten the sign’s fixings, whilst 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, throwing both men to the ground. Both sustained injuries, with the owner suffering injuries to his knee, and the other man suffering a fractured right wrist and dislocated right elbow.

Appearing at Teesside Magistrates’ Court, the owner pleaded guilt to breaching regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 for failing to take adequate steps to prevent falls. He was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay the same amount in costs. In mitigation, he said he had no previous convictions and had entered an early guilty plea. He has since invested in suitable equipment to enable him to work at height safely.

Following the hearing the Inspector from the HSE commented:

"Not only was the scaffold unstable due to it’s 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 the owner to support the ladder on top of the platform was ridiculous and utterly unacceptable. Had he used mobile elevated work equipment, or a tied-in scaffold, then this potentially fatal incident could have been avoided."