Businesses Must Protect Workers, Lawyer Claims
Businesses in all sectors need to do everything in their power to protect members of staff from the dangers of falls, a leading workplace injury expert at Irwin Mitchell has claimed.
David Urpeth has called on firms to up their game after it was revealed that Master Concrete of Bedfont Trading Estate, Feltham was fined in relation to an incident in 2009 which saw 59-year-old Alfie Devile fall more than four metres.
Working with colleagues to dismantle a steel-framed building, Alfie Deville and his colleagues chose to leave the basket of a cherry picker and stand on the roof. However, Mr Deville stood on a panel which he had already unscrewed and fell to the ground.
A subsequent investigation revealed that Master Concrete had failed to plan or identify any potential hazards - an issue that work accident lawyer David Urpeth hopes will never happen again.
“This incident is yet another example of how companies often fail to fully assess the risks that they are exposing their employees to on a regularly basis,” he explained.
“Falls from height are particularly dangerous. While in this instance the worker suffered significant injuries including a broken collarbone, fractured ribs and a head wound, such incidents can lead to even more serious and life-changing consequences for those involved.”
“It is time that health and safety is placed higher up the agenda for companies in the construction industry.”
If you or a loved one has suffered due to an accident at work, our personal injury claims team could help you to secure the compensation you deserve. Visit our Workplace Accident & Injury Compensation page for more information.