Update on HSE investigation after Reading demolition incident

ADVERTISEMENT

A section of scaffolding collapsed on a demolition site in Reading injuring three people in August 2019.

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) is still investigating the incident that happened on August 1 last year but has revealed that part of the old shopping centre being demolished failed. This, in turn, caused the section of scaffolding on the outside of the building to collapse.

Many within the online scaffolding community came to the same conclusions shortly after the incident back in 2019 that injured three people. At the time of the incident Unite the UK’s construction union called for an urgent investigation into the collapse.

According to the HSE, it was unlikely there would be any further answers revealing more on what happened at the site, for some time.

They said: “HSE continues to investigate this incident with a view to determining the causes. As there were a large number of parties involved in the planning and the carrying out of the project, it is likely to be some months before conclusions can be drawn.

“We cannot comment further at this time.”

SM Newsdesk
SM Newsdeskhttps://www.scaffmag.com
The staff at ScaffMag.com the leading scaffolding site for a digital generation.

Most popular ↑

CISRS says CSCS notice was served to negotiate “from a stronger position”

NASC president Sarah Klieve says CISRS served CSCS notice to negotiate from a stronger position, as Build UK says the card rules don’t block other sectors.

Monthly Scaff Walk launched to support mental health conversations

A new monthly walking event aimed at bringing people from across the scaffolding and construction industry together to talk about mental health will begin in London later this month.

Lee Marley turnover hits £95.4m as profit falls

The masonry and scaffolding contractor invested £2.99m in scaffold and other fixed assets and entered 2026 with £131m of secured work.

Scottish scaffolding apprentices to compete at ScaffChamp 2026

A team of young scaffolders from Scotland and Northern...

China joins IASA as global membership continues to expand

China has become the latest country to join the...

Latest news

Man taken to hospital after Evesham scaffolding incident

Specialist paramedics and firefighters rescued a man following a fall from scaffolding near Evesham Library. He was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
- Advertisement -
More from

Man taken to hospital after Evesham scaffolding incident

Specialist paramedics and firefighters rescued a man following a fall from scaffolding near Evesham Library. He was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Unsecured scaffolding loads flagged in Operation Rule checks

Police identified unsecured scaffolding among the problems found during September’s national commercial vehicle checks.

Australia records 28 fatal workplace falls in 2025

New national figures show falls from height were Australia's second most common cause of workplace deaths, while construction recorded 41 fatalities. The figures do not identify scaffold-related cases.

Tube Industries forecasts scaffold-tube price rise as UK CBAM nears

Tube Industries forecasts higher imported scaffold-tube costs from January 2027, but its 15p-per-foot estimate remains unverified as UK CBAM approaches.
Latest articles