Ad
Monday, March 31, 2025
9.3 C
London

U.K. Edition

Firm Fined £60,000 After Worker Falls to Death from Birmingham Church Steeple

- Advertisement -

A specialist construction company has been fined £60,000 following the death of a worker who fell from a church steeple in Birmingham.

David Clover, 64, was employed by Ecclesiastical Steeplejacks Ltd to perform restoration work on the 60-metre-high steeple of St Nicholas’ Church, Kings Norton, on 13 November 2020.

While suspended in a ‘bosun’s chair,’ a work positioning seat, he fell and suffered fatal injuries.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that the bosun’s chair lacked a suitable backup system, such as a twin-leg lanyard fall arrest harness, to prevent falls.

The company, which has since ceased trading but was previously based in Stirchley, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to breaching the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

Image credit: HSE

The hearing, held at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 15 January 2025, resulted in a £60,000 fine.

In sentencing, Judge Quereshi criticised the firm’s outdated approach to managing health and safety, highlighting the preventable nature of the incident.

HSE inspector Emma Page expressed condolences to Mr Clover’s family and emphasised the ongoing risks associated with working at height.

“Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of work-related deaths and injuries in Great Britain. We will take action against companies that fail to protect workers.”

Statistics from the HSE show that 50 people died from falls at height in 2023/24. Updated guidance on mitigating these risks is available on the HSE’s website.

This prosecution was conducted by HSE enforcement lawyer Julian White and paralegal officer Imogen Isaac.

- Advertisement -

Popular this week >

NASC and SAA Unite to Boost Global Scaffolding Standards

In a landmark move for the global scaffolding industry,...

Doka Unveils Cutting-Edge Innovations Ahead of Bauma 2025

Austrian formwork and scaffolding giant Doka is preparing to...

Layher Set to Showcase New Era of Scaffolding at Bauma 2025

Layher, the global scaffolding innovator, is preparing to make...

TRAD UK Hits £30,000 in Annual Fundraising Challenge

The company raised target three times as employees and...

Service and Support: The Values Driving Commercial Success for Layher Customers

Businesses overlook good customer relationships at their peril. It...
- Advertisements -

Related Articles >

Scaffolding Company Hit with £30,000 Fine Over Safety Lapses

A Merseyside scaffolding company has been fined £30,800 after an investigation found workers had been using an unsafe scaffold at a construction site in Merseyside. A.I.M Access Solutions Ltd, based in Kirkby, was prosecuted...

Latest Topics

New Scheme Aims to Transform Apprenticeship Experience in Construction

A new initiative designed to reward and support apprentices...

Mark Parkin Joins Scaffolding Association as Strategic Director

The Scaffolding Association has appointed seasoned industry leader Mark...

TRAD UK Hits £30,000 in Annual Fundraising Challenge

The company raised target three times as employees and...

Service and Support: The Values Driving Commercial Success for Layher Customers

Businesses overlook good customer relationships at their peril. It...
- Advertisement -

Popular Categories