Builder fined following fatal accident

A builder has been fined for failing to ensure the safety of one of his employees, who suffered a fatal accident. 

While carrying out construction work, a self-employed labourer fell from an unsecured stepladder while travelling from the ground to the first floor of a two storey extension. 

The stepladder was too short to reach the first floor, which was accessed by passing through a gap in the flooring between joists. The deceased was carrying a bucket of mortar at the time he fell. He suffered fatal head injuries.

A suitable and sufficient risk assessment was not in place and the work at height was not planned and supervised appropriately.

The builder’s failure to comply with his legal duty of care to those working on site led to the worker suffering fatal injuries.

The builder pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to a single charge of breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. 

He was fined £10,000 with £19,000 costs.

Recommendations

• Ensure the work has a risk assessment and safe method of working. 
• Include all operatives both agency and self-employed in the safe system of work.

Doyle Clayton can support your business with providing health and safety advice and support. Please contact Sally Beck for further information.