Workplace fall injury

46 people died last year in work related accidents, caused by falling from heights, and the HSE has warned companies to ensure that adequate precautions are being taken to reduce the risk of accidents. 

The HSEs warning comes after Telford Magistrates' Court heard how Jim Morgan sustained a fractured spine and fractured heels after falling three metres from a mezzanine floor. The court fined Single Source Ltd £5,000 with costs of £1,434.

The accident happened when Mr Morgan was working as a cleaner at the Single Source Ltd's site in Telford, while cleaning on a mezzanine area Mr Morgan was hit by a pallet truck, the truck had a container on the front obscuring the driver vision, Mr Morgan was pushed over the edge of the mezzanine onto the concrete floor below.

Workplace falls claim 50 lives per year

Guy Dale a HSE investigating inspector speaking after the case, said:

"Falls from height are the most common cause of fatal injury and the second most common cause of major injury to employees. Every year, around 50 people are killed and more than 3,000 seriously injured as a result of falling from height"

Single Source Ltd pleaded guilty to a breach of section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.