Scaffolding Fitting Falls 20m & Hits Pedestrian
19th February 2018
A Kent scaffolding business has been hit with a £160k fine after a passerby was hit by a falling scaffolding fitting.
Westminster Magistrates Court heard that, on 20 March 2017, the injured person was walking along Upper Street in Islington, London when he was hit on the head by the fitting. He sustained numerous cuts to his head and face, a broken nose and a severely bruised skull.
Speaking after the case was heard, Sarah Robinson, HSE inspector said, “This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices. On this occasion the company did not follow their own risk assessments or method statements.”
All construction work, including scaffolding activity, that takes place where pedestrians or other third parties could be impacted , should be subject to strict checks and controls and considering what needs to be done to minimise this risk is a fundamental requirement of any risk assessment. The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has produced guidance on protection of the public and this is available for FREE download from their website.
Similarly, the Health and Safety Executive’s comprehensive suite of free publications also includes guidance on protecting the public, in the form of ‘HSG151 – Protecting the Public – Your Next Move‘.
Simian clients requiring further advice are free to contact the team on 0345 6022 418 or via hello@simian-risk.com.