Man Spends More Than Four Weeks In Hospital After Excavation Collapses

A man suffered painful injuries when a three-metre deep excavation he was standing in subsided.

Kevin Richards, 46, of Weymouth sustained a fractured left shoulder blade, two fractured ribs, a double break to his right leg and a collapsed lung when the unsupported sides of the hole he was working in caved in.

A nearby colleague rushed to the scene and cleared enough soil away to allow Mr Richards to breathe.

The injured man had been checking preparatory work on a basement retaining wall at a property in Lilliput, Poole in June 2012.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that principle contractor Bluebay Properties of Lilliput had failed to conduct the work in a safe manner.

The regulator said the company should have ensured the excavation - which covered an area of 150 square metres - was suitably supported.

Having pleaded guilty to a  breach of the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007, the construction firm was fined £6,000 and ordered to cover costs of £4,000. The company was also asked to pay a victim surcharge of £120.

Following the hearing at Bournemouth Magistrates' Court, HSE inspector James Powell said the incident "should never have happened" and it was sheer luck that prevented Mr Richards from being killed.

"There is a risk of collapse or partial collapse causing serious injury or death if an excavation is not supported or suitably battered back. Any collapse has the potential to bury or injure people working in an excavation," he remarked.

Mr Powell said Bluebay Properties had identified the risk of falling earth, but ultimately failed to introduce sufficient measures to ensure this did not happen.

"Every year people are killed or seriously injured by collapses and falling materials while working in excavations and this site represented a serious risk to workers," he added.

The construction industry is still one of the most dangerous sectors in the UK and HSE figures confirm that 39 people died while working on building projects in 2012-13.

Our accident at work claims team could help you secure compensation if you have been injured on a construction site. Find out more information on our Construction Accident Compensation page.

Expert Opinion

This highlights the consequences of companies not following health and safety guidelines, and it was lucky that this did not end in total tragedy. <br/> <br/>“Thankfully a colleague managed to clear the soil enough for Mr Richards to breathe otherwise this story could have had a different ending. <br/> <br/>“Bluebay Properties failed to conduct the work in a safe manner and the area wasn’t properly secured, which led to the collapse of the excavation. <br/> <br/>“We investigate many similar cases every year relating to the construction industry and it’s true that it is still one of the most dangerous sectors in the UK, which is why it is important every step is taken to protect workers. <br/> <br/>“We hope the fining of this company is a reminder to others that the importance of protecting staff in the workplace is top priority, otherwise tragedy can strike.” <br/>