A scaffold collapse in the Lytham Road area of Blackpool on Monday, 3rd April, has left two workers with serious injuries.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred while the workers were carrying out building works on a solicitor’s office.
The exact circumstances leading to the collapse of one elevation of the scaffold remain unclear, but the aftermath has been devastating for the two injured workers. One has sustained multiple injuries, including a broken hip, fractured neck, two broken wrists, and a small bleed on the brain. The other worker is suffering from rib injuries.
Sean Ryan, a 47-year-old local radio presenter, witnessed the incident and, along with another passer-by, helped the injured workers to safety. Ryan told the Blackpool Gazette that the men “are lucky to be alive” following the accident.
Fire and ambulance crews worked at the scene outside the office of personal injury lawyers Barker Booth & Eastwood, with Lytham Road blocked off during the response. Two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, and a senior clinician were dispatched to attend to the injured workers.
A fire service spokesperson reported that firefighters used trauma packs to treat the casualties before handing them over to the care of North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) paramedics. The crews were on the scene for two hours.
The cause of the scaffold collapse is yet to be determined. Dallas Cooper, Scaffolding Health & Safety Advisor for SIMIAN, said, “It’s too early to establish the cause of this incident, but generally, collapses can be prevented by sound planning of access provision and consideration of the works that will be carried out.”
Cooper also extended his wishes for a speedy recovery to both injured workers. As the HSE investigation continues, the construction industry and local community await further information on the cause of this tragic incident, hoping that future accidents can be prevented through proper safety measures and planning.
