Firm Fined for Scaffold Collapse

Poole Magistrates’ Court heard how the firm had been contracted to erect scaffolding at the industrial unit in Alder Hills Business Park, Wallisdown, Poole to provide edge protection for work to be carried out on the roof.

The scaffolding collapsed on 14 September 2015 narrowly avoiding an office worker as they exited the building but resulting in serious damage to parked cars.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found, the company failed to ensure the scaffolding provided was suitably designed and installed to prevent collapse during use. The company failed to ensure the scaffolding was suitably attached to the building to withstand foreseeable wind loads.

The Poole-based firm pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 19 (2) of the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015.

The company has been fined £27,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4051

Speaking after the hearing HSE Principal Inspector Helena Tinton said: “The company failed to ensure the scaffolding was properly secured to the building to avoid it putting workers and members of the public at risk of it collapsing in high winds.

“It is very lucky nobody was injured as result of this incident. All duty holders have the responsibility to ensure all scaffolding work is properly designed and installed by competent workers.”

NASC provides guidance on the anchoring of scaffolds in the form of their publications TG4:19 ‘Anchorage Systems for Scaffolding’ and in Chapter 7 of the TG20:13 Operational Guide. The former is available for FREE download from the NASC’s website.

Simian clients requiring advice on all aspects of scaffolding safety are free to call their Account Manager on 0345 602 2418.