A London construction company and its sole director have been fined after a mobile scaffold tower toppled onto two members of the public on Putney High Street, causing serious injuries. [hsmsearch.com]
The incident occurred on 19 July 2023 while workers employed by Add Prop Limited were carrying out a project to convert a commercial building into residential flats. Under the supervision of director Atif Riaz, a mobile tower scaffold was erected and then covered with sheeting. The scaffold had been assembled incorrectly and insufficient measures were in place to protect members of the public nearby. [hsmsearch.com]
When windy conditions developed, the sheeting acted like a sail, causing the structure to overturn. The falling scaffold struck and trapped two pedestrians, leaving them with serious injuries. [hsmsearch.com]
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that the scaffold was neither assembled nor inspected by suitably trained and competent people. It had not been erected in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions or industry guidance, and the risks associated with wind loading had not been properly considered before the scaffold was sheeted. [hsmsearch.com]
The investigation also revealed that Add Prop Limited had previously received a Prohibition Notice for unsafe scaffold work at another site. HSE concluded that the company failed to ensure the temporary structure was capable of withstanding foreseeable loads, including wind forces, and that director Atif Riaz had been negligent in his duties as both project manager and site supervisor. [hsmsearch.com]
Following a hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Add Prop Limited was found guilty of breaching construction safety regulations and was fined £20,000, plus £7,000 in costs. Mr Riaz was found guilty under Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £1,730, with a further £1,730 in costs. [hsmsearch.com]
Shareable takeaway: This incident highlights the importance of competent scaffold erection, proper risk assessment, and protecting the public from construction activities. Temporary structures must be able to withstand foreseeable weather conditions, and safety shortcuts can have serious consequences for both workers and passers-by. [hsmsearch.com]
