“Inadequate training and a lack of supervision” were the findings of the HSE following their investigation into the fall that a 20-year-old man suffered last year whilst he was erecting scaffolding at a property. He was climbing a 7.6m high ladder whilst carrying a 4.8m scaffold pole. The pole weighed around 20kg. The man fell approximately 6m to the ground.
Both the company and the director were found to have failed to ensure that the correct training had been undertaken by the scaffolder. In addition, the scaffolder was working alone, without the supervision required by the industry. Moreover, the HSE also found that the director was aware of the fact the worker was not trained to the industry required standard but allowed work to continue unsupervised in his absence.
The Cost to the Company
The company pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4 (1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, and was fined £5,500 and ordered to pay costs of £442.
The director also pleaded guilty to breaching Section 37 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. He was fined £915 and ordered to pay costs of £443.
The Cost to the Scaffolder
As a result of his 6m fall to the ground, the man suffered multiple fractures to his right leg and ankle which required surgery to repair the damage.
After the hearing the HSE inspector said: “The employee in this case is extremely lucky to have not suffered more severe and life threatening injuries.”
Proper Training Should Not Be Seen as a Cost
Ensuring your employees are properly trained should not be looked on as an onerous or unnecessary cost but an investment in the wellbeing of your business and employees.
If you’re an employer, ignoring the training needs of your staff could cost you far more than training ever would. Speak to us now about how we can save you money whilst providing the necessary training for your employees.
If you're an HR manager or want to put the case to your directors or manager regarding investing in training, we can help you with this too. Isosure has many solutions suitable for all businesses, designed to make becoming more compliant, much easier.
With our online training courses, often employees can have access to the relevant training within a couple of hours of signing up.
Give me a call now on 01706 225419 to discuss your training needs.
Steve Newton
Director
Isosure Limited
"Good Health and Safety Doesn't Happen by Accident"
I formed Isosure in 2003 to provide consultancy and training in Health and Safety, Environmental and Quality Management Systems. I am also a Certified Management Consultant, a qualified coach/mentor…
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