A scaffolder has been fined £750 and ordered to pay costs of £643 for not wearing a harness while working at height. His client, Giant Scaffolding Ltd, faced a more substantial penalty of £15,000 plus £5,000 in costs.

Gary Roser, a self-employed scaffolder from Hastings, was working for Giant Scaffolding Ltd on a four-storey scaffold at a building on East Parade, Hastings, last October.

He was observed by a passing Health & Safety Executive (HSE) inspector balancing on scaffolding tubes approximately 8 meters above the ground without a harness.

During the hearing at Hastings Magistrates’ Court, it was revealed that although harnesses were available in a van for the workers, they were not used. Industry guidelines mandate that scaffolders must wear a fall arrest harness when working more than 4 meters above the ground without a safe platform and edge protection in place.

Furthermore, the court heard that Battle-based Giant Scaffolding had repeatedly failed to respond to written inquiries from the inspector, despite numerous warnings.

HSE inspector Melvyn Stancliffe commented on the case, highlighting the importance of safety measures. “The simple measure of wearing a harness can save scaffolders from death or serious injury.

A basic common-sense approach to work is all that’s needed to prevent a possible tragedy. In many cases, harnesses are available but some workmen just cannot be bothered to wear them. They should take a moment to think about the consequences.”

He added, “It was reckless for Mr Roser to be working in this way. He was exposing himself and members of the public walking below to unnecessary risk. He was seen working in 2008 in similar circumstances and was warned about his future conduct. Giant Scaffolding Ltd has also been warned about the dangerous working practices of those working for it.”