A Demolition firm has been fined after a scaffolder suffered multiple injuries when he was struck by a falling concrete panel.
Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard how Vale Park Demolition Services Limited was contracted to demolish a link bridge structure at Littleborough Primary School, Rochdale.
On 29 October 2015, an employee of GT Scaffolding North West Limited was struck by a concrete panel weighing approximately 500kg when he was dismantling scaffolding that was placed in front of the final part of the link bridge that was due to be demolished.
The scaffolder suffered from a broken right shoulder, five broken ribs, three fractures to the spine, a punctured lung and a broken left foot.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found the work was not suitably planned and the stability of the panel was not appropriately considered when removing the scaffolding.
Vale Park Demolition Services Limited of Hazelbottom Road, Crumpsall, Manchester pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and have been fined £4,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,397.64.
HSE inspector David Norton said “The incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices.
“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards”.
