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Construction firm fined after death of teenage labourer

A 19 year-old worker was helping to dismantle scaffolding on the 12th floor roof garden of a block of flats but as he stepped onto a ventilation shaft the covering gave way, and he fell 6 floors to his death.

HSE’s investigation found that:

• the ventilation shaft had been covered only by a sheet of plasterboard and roofing foam
• routine inspections of the building did not include the roof garden area, meaning the inadequate covering went undetected and no warning was given to the scaffolding team

The construction firm were fined £42,200.

Read more about the incident in our press release: Construction firm fined after death of teenage labourer.

Bakery company fined after worker suffers hip fracture in fall

The worker sustained a serious hip fracture after falling from a large plastic pallet box while disposing of food waste into a skip.

The incident occurred as the employee worked at height without suitable equipment, having climbed onto a pallet box to reach the top of the skip.

HSE’s investigation found:

• the company failed to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for loading skips
• appropriate equipment for safe working at height was not provided
• inadequate supervision and monitoring allowed unsafe practices to become routine

Read more about the incident in our press release: Bakery company fined after worker suffers hip fracture in fall.

Waste management company fined after employee falls from height

A worker broke his leg after falling from a compost screening machine while clearing a blockage.

He slipped while climbing onto the machine, which was suspended at height and lacked adequate fall‑prevention measures.

HSE’s investigation found:

• the company had not assessed the risks involved in cleaning the machine
• no safe system of work or clear instructions for unblocking the fan housing had been provided
• workers were able to bypass safety measures and access dangerous parts of the machinery

Read more about the incident in our press release: Waste management company fined after worker falls from height.

More headlines

Other recent health and safety headlines include:

• Plastics firm fined after 2 workers lose fingers

1 to 7 April is Global Asbestos Awareness Week

This week is a timely opportunity to reinforce asbestos compliance messages with the dutyholders and workers in your area.

HSE’s campaign website has practical support, guidance and free resources:

• read more about Global Asbestos Awareness Week
• visit our Global Asbestos Awareness Week resources page