Fall at work leaves employee with broken jaw

Two firms have been fined over health and safety breaches after a French agency worker fell six metres through a floor panel and broke his jaw.

Loughborough-based FKI Logistex was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay £16,496 costs over the incident, which happened when Sebastien Marquet was subcontracted to work on a mezzanine floor at the B&Q warehouse in Worksop, Notts.

His employer, Belgian firm Travhydro, was also fined £60,000 and ordered to pay £21,406 costs. Both companies had admitted breaching health and safety regulations which caused the fall.

Nottingham Crown Court heard Mr Marquet was subcontracted to fix floor panels when he stepped on an unsecured panel and fell.

The court was told Mr Marquet broke his jaw and now has difficulties performing manual tasks.

Speaking after the hearing, Health and Safety Executive inspector Martin Giles said: "This incident could easily have been avoided if the companies had done a proper risk assessment to ensure adequate safety measures were in place for people working at height. If they had, Mr Marquet may not have been injured."

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David Urpeth, Partner and Work Accident solicitor at law firm Irwin Mitchell commented: Falls from height are a major category of accidents at work. Employers have a duty to ensure that workers are provided with a safe place and safe system of work. Sadly in this case, those responsible for workers health and safety failed in their duties.

Sadly, I represent many workers who have been injured or killed industrial accidents involving falls from height

If you or someone you know has suffered a similar injury in the workplace, you may be able to claim compensation. Get free advice now by filling in our online claims form.