Ad
Thursday, October 9, 2025

Scaffolder’s lack of safety measures put lives at risk

ADVERTISEMENT

HSE

A scaffolder has been prosecuted for neglecting vital safety measures that put himself, his staff and passing members of the public at risk.

Truro Magistrates’ Court heard on Friday (24 May) that an inspector from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) saw workers on scaffolding with no edge protection at a property in Cranberry Road, Camborne, in March 2012. They were not wearing any harnesses or lanyards to protect them from falls.

The Inspector issued an immediate Prohibition Notice on Anthony Dale scaffolding, halting any further work at the site until improvements were made.

The court was told that following an investigation into Mr Dale on another matter, Cornwall Council sent pictures to HSE showing him again working on scaffolding without any edge protection or harnesses.

Workers for Anthony Dale and Dale himself were seen twice on scaffolding with no edge protection or safety equipment that could have helped them in the event of a fall at sites in Chapel Street, Penzance, and Coinagehall Street, Helston, in 2012.

Anthony Dale of Roskear Parc, Tuckingmill, Camborne, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(2) and Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined a total of £8,000 and ordered to pay £4,114 in costs.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Barry Trudgian, said:

“Work at height is the biggest single cause of fatal and serious injury in the construction industry. Anthony Dale’s reckless disregard of basic safety precautions demonstrates a totally a cavalier approach to the health and well-being of his workers and of passers-by, let alone himself.

“The risks of working at height are widely-known and recognised and there is a wealth of guidance available from HSE and the industry. There can really be no excuse for not putting basic precautions in place.

“Simple measures such as providing guardrails and having the correct safety equipment could save someone’s life.”

Further information on safe scaffolding can be found on the HSE website at:http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/faq-scaffold.htm

ADVERTISEMENT

Popular Categories

Latest news

The magazine

Issue 27 | Past issues >>

Popular

ScaffChamp 2025: Teams Gather in Vilnius for Opening Day

The international scaffolding competition ScaffChamp 2025 has officially begun,...

Construction starts slump as housing confidence falters

The UK construction industry is facing renewed decline, according...

Ethiopia church scaffolding collapse kills at least 30

At least 30 people have died and more than...

Storm Amy set to hit UK with severe winds and rain

The UK is bracing for Storm Amy, the first...

National Scaffolding Week 2025 launches to celebrate industry’s people and skills

National Scaffolding Week 2025 has officially launched, shining a...

Related articles

Company fined after worker dies in six-foot scaffold fall

A Lancashire sign-fitting company and its director have been prosecuted after a worker died from head injuries sustained in a fall from scaffolding lacking basic safety protection. Iftikhar Ahmed Mughal, 64, was installing a...
- Advertisements -

Latest topics

PERI UP system supports cladding remediation at Hilton Hotel

The Hilton Hotel in Kingston upon Thames is undergoing...

Midland Scaffolding staff go the distance in charity challenge for Poppy

Midland Scaffolding Services (MSS) has raised an impressive £20,000...

AT-PAC names new UK MD as ScaffEx25 showcases national ambitions

After unveiling a wave of new systems at Bauma...

ScaffEx25: An Industry Comes of Age in Manchester

Two days in September that showcased not just where...
- Advertisement -