Scaffolder’s lack of safety measures put lives at risk

A scaffolder has been prosecuted for neglecting vital safety measures that put himself, his staff and passing members of the public at risk.

Truro Magistrates’ Court heard on Friday (24 May) that an inspector from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) saw workers on scaffolding with no edge protection at a property in Cranberry Road, Camborne, in March 2012. They were not wearing any harnesses or lanyards to protect them from falls.

The Inspector issued an immediate Prohibition Notice on Anthony Dale scaffolding, halting any further work at the site until improvements were made.

The court was told that following an investigation into Mr Dale on another matter, Cornwall Council sent pictures to HSE showing him again working on scaffolding without any edge protection or harnesses.

Workers for Anthony Dale and Dale himself were seen twice on scaffolding with no edge protection or safety equipment that could have helped them in the event of a fall at sites in Chapel Street, Penzance, and Coinagehall Street, Helston, in 2012.

Anthony Dale of Roskear Parc, Tuckingmill, Camborne, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(2) and Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined a total of £8,000 and ordered to pay £4,114 in costs.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Barry Trudgian, said:

“Work at height is the biggest single cause of fatal and serious injury in the construction industry. Anthony Dale’s reckless disregard of basic safety precautions demonstrates a totally a cavalier approach to the health and well-being of his workers and of passers-by, let alone himself.

“The risks of working at height are widely-known and recognised and there is a wealth of guidance available from HSE and the industry. There can really be no excuse for not putting basic precautions in place.

“Simple measures such as providing guardrails and having the correct safety equipment could save someone’s life.”

Further information on safe scaffolding can be found on the HSE website at:http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/faq-scaffold.htm