Ad
Friday, May 9, 2025
10.7 C
London

U.K. Edition

Firm and boss fined after two workers fall from scaffold tower

- Advertisement -

A north-west roofing supplies firm and its director have been fined after two workers fell from a scaffold, sustaining serious injuries.

Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard how in November 2018, two employees of Rooffabs Direct Ltd had been working with the firms boss Paul McMahon, the sole director of the company, to install signage at retail premises in Prestwich.

The workers used a tower scaffold to carry out the work. During the afternoon, when their boss was no longer on-site, the tower scaffold moved away from the building and the two employees fell approximately two metres, suffering fractures to their legs and ankles.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the tower scaffold had not been erected by someone with suitable training.

There were missing guard rails on the scaffold and no outriggers in place at the time of the incident. The company also failed to report the incident as required by the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR).

Rooffabs Direct Limited pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Regulations 2013. The company was fined £20,000.

The firms boss Paul McMahon, pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and of the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Regulations 2013.

He was ordered to complete 100 hours community service, pay compensation orders of £500 each for the two injured persons and was ordered to pay costs of £1,000.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector David Norton said: “Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work-related fatalities and severe injuries in this country. The risks associated with work at height are well known.

“This incident could so easily have been avoided by having a suitably trained person put up the tower scaffold and ensuring that the required guardrails and outriggers were in place.”

- Advertisement -

Popular this week >

Three Workers Killed at Texas LNG Terminal

Editor's Note Update: Earlier reports that a scaffold collapse...

NASC Launches Second Phase of TG30 Scaffolding Guidance

Today, the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) announced...

Scaffolding Association Launches First in New Guidance Series

The Scaffolding Association has released the first in a...

Scaffolder Dies After Fall at Hong Kong Site Despite Wearing Safety Harness

A 62-year-old scaffolder has died after falling from a...

Yorkshire firm boosts production with major investment in digital printing

Industrial Textiles and Plastics (ITP) Ltd, a Yorkshire-based manufacturer...
- Advertisements -

Related Articles >

Company Fined £16,000 After Worker Dies from Fall

ELP Broadcast and Events Ltd, a company operating in the entertainment industry, has been fined £16,000 following the tragic death of a worker in a workplace incident. The incident occurred on 13th March 2018...

Latest Topics

Stork Secures Major Inspection Contract with Ithaca Energy

Stork, a recent acquisition by industrial services giant Altrad,...

UK Team Secures Final Spot in ScaffChamp 2025

Scaffmag can exclusively reveal that Lancashire-based AK Scaffolding Ltd...

Scaffolder Dies After Fall at Hong Kong Site Despite Wearing Safety Harness

A 62-year-old scaffolder has died after falling from a...

Star Scaffolding’s Mark Chard Shortlisted for Top Business Award

Managing Director of West Bromwich-based Star Scaffolding, Mark Chard,...
- Advertisement -

Popular Categories