Ad
Friday, September 5, 2025
11.8 C
London

The Voice of Scaffolding Since 2008  U.K. Edition

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

- Advertisement -

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 by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after inspectors identified serious failings in the erection of a scaffold tower at a block of flats on Rice Hey Road in May 2021.

An investigation found that the company had failed to follow proper assembly instructions, and workers accessed the scaffold by climbing its framework rather than using a ladder.

The lack of a safe means of access contravened HSE guidelines designed to prevent falls from height – one of the leading causes of serious workplace injuries in the construction sector.

The HSE launched its inquiry following the death of 45-year-old Robert Duffy, an employee of A.I.M Access Solutions Ltd, who suffered serious injuries while working at the site.

Mr Duffy died in hospital three days later. However, the prosecution was not brought on the grounds that the unsafe scaffold was directly responsible for his death.

A.I.M Access Solutions Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The firm was fined £30,800 and ordered to pay £5,040.75 in costs at Wirral Magistrates’ Court on 27 February 2025.

Following the sentencing, HSE inspector Sam Eves said: “A.I.M Access Solutions Ltd did not ensure the tower scaffold was constructed correctly. The company failed to provide a safe way to get to and from the work platform, for example using an appropriately designed internal ladder.”

He urged companies to follow HSE guidance to ensure that similar work is “effectively planned, managed, and monitored” to protect workers from unnecessary risks.

Each year, multiple injuries occur due to improperly erected scaffolds or the lack of adequate safety measures. The HSE warns that incidents are often caused by defects in scaffold structures or a failure to follow manufacturer instructions regarding bracing and height limitations.

The prosecution was led by HSE senior enforcement lawyer Daniel Poole, with support from HSE paralegal officer Helen Hugo.

- Advertisement -

Popular Categories

Most Read >

Game changing UK-First in Scaffolding Innovation under the Forth Road Bridge 

Layher pioneers its advanced cantilever technique with Hardrock Scaffolding...

Major shake-up in scaffolding training governance announced

The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has unveiled...

Shaun Ryder tipped as VIP guest at ScaffEx25 awards

Musician Shaun Ryder is rumoured to be among the...

Layher: Leading the way in product and design innovation

As Layher is shortlisted for the NASC Scaffolding Excellence...

Scaffolding firm fined 100K after apprentice joiner falls from loading bay

A scaffolding company has been fined £100,000 for safety...
- Advertisements -

Related Articles >

Scaffolders Could Down Tools in Heatwave Under New HSE Proposals

Scaffolders could be given the right to stop work during extreme heat under plans being developed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The proposals, aimed at protecting manual workers from heat stress, would...

Latest Topics

Major shake-up in scaffolding training governance announced

The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has unveiled...

Layher UK set to unveil show-stopping ScaffEx25 stand in exclusive preview 

Scaffmag has been given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Layher...

UK cement production falls to lowest level since 1950

UK cement production has slumped to its lowest level...
- Advertisement -