£530k Bill for Scaffolding Firm Following Scaffolding Crush Incident

An Ipswich-based scaffolding company has been fined more than £500k following a 2019 incident, that saw a worker receive life changing injuries.

Following the accident, an investigation was launched, which led to the scaffolding company receiving a prohibition notice, and the notice prevented them from moving whole stacks of steel bundles at once. However, evidence provided by the injured worker found that company had failed to comply with the notice specifications.

At a hearing in early February at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court, the company pleaded guilty, admitting to failing to provide a safe system of work, failing to provide appropriate instruction supervision and training to its workforce, and failure to comply with the prohibition notice.

The company was ultimately sentenced for multiple health and safety failings and was fined £514,527.65 plus costs of £15,527.65 and a victim surcharge of £170.

A spokesperson for the scaffolding company stated following the hearing that its approach to health and safety has transformed since 2019, now appointing an experienced health and safety manager and assistant who continually review all on-site activities.

SIMIAN’s team comprises a wealth of scaffolding qualified H&S Advisors – if you need assistance with yard operations risk assessments, get in touch today by emailing hello@simian-risk.com, or by calling 0345 6022418.