Firm Fined After Child Falls From Scaffolding

A scaffolding company has been sentenced after a 12-year-old boy slipped off a scaffold ladder, falling 10 metres.

Cardiff Magistrates’ Court heard how, in May 2017, two boys were able to climb the rungs of a ladder within scaffolding erected by Doncaster based Westdale Services Limited, by placing their feet either side of a ladder guard that did not cover the rungs of the ladder.

One boy climbed to the top platform of the scaffold and climbed the uppermost ladder to a height of approximately 10 metres. The ladder slipped, causing the boy to lose his balance and fall to the ground.

The boy suffered life-changing injuries requiring multiple operations. The boy now has no bladder or bowel control and is only able to walk short distances due to being unstable on his feet.

An investigation by the HSE found the security arrangements for preventing access to the scaffolding, especially by children from a nearby school, were inadequate.

Westdale Services Limited of Doncaster Road, Askern, Doncaster pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and has been fined £160,000 and ordered to pay £22,310 in costs.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Michael Batt commented: “The death or injury of a child is particularly tragic and a lot of thought must go into securing construction sites. Children do not perceive danger as adults do. The potential for unauthorised access to construction sites must be carefully risk assessed and effective controls put in place.

“This incident could have been prevented by removal of the ladder completely or installing an appropriately sized ladder guard to cover the full width of the rungs.”