Firm in court after scaffolding blown over during dismantling

A Leicestershire scaffolding company has been fined after scaffolding hit a bus and pedestrians when it blew over during dismantling.

Leicester Magistrates’ Court heard how on 28 January 2015 Emperor Scaffolding Limited of Leicester was dismantling scaffolding on Charles Street when the incident occurred. The scaffolding hit a bus, landed on a parked van and hit two members of the public.

See original news report: Pedestrian Trapped After Scaffolding Collapses In Leicester

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident, found that the company was not following a safe system of work. The scaffolding was not tied to the building and sheeting was left in place. The scaffolding dismantling took place over four days and the workers failed to check the scaffolding condition before they started or to take adequate measures to correct defects and ensure it would not collapse during the dismantling.

Emperor Scaffolding Limited, of Fairefield Crescent, Glenfield, Leicester, was fined a total of £8,000, with costs of £2,000 after pleading guilty to offences under Regulation 28(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Martin Giles said: “Scaffolding needs to be tied to a building and dismantling needs to be properly planned and carried out in a safe manner.”