Worker falls 15ft from scaffolding

A worker fell 15ft from scaffolding onto a scaffold tower in early April, trapping him 15ft above ground level.

After falling, the worker alerted a friend by phone and requested help. An air ambulance attended the scene and the Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the site to rescue the worker.

In order to bring the worker to safety, fire crews used a specialist work at height rescue system to lower him down from the scaffold in a basket stretcher, and he was subsequently transported to Queen’s Medical Centre with spinal injuries.

Whilst further details surrounding this incident remain unclear, this is yet another accident that highlights the importance of effective planning and the appropriate use of safety equipment when working at height. Planning and preparing for emergency situations is a requirement of Regulation 4 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, and as such, anyone responsible for planning work at height should ensure that suitably robust measures are in place to deal with any emergency situation and this includes scaffold users.

The SIMIAN team work with businesses throughout the UK to ensure that they are working to the highest safety standards, providing consultancy, inspection and training services.

If you want to ensure that your workforce is operating safely at height at all times, contact our team today to find out more about our services and how we can support your business.