05.12.2014
The 20-year-old worker was employed as a trainee steel erector for Crossgill Construction and was helping to install cladding rails to a building extension when the incident took place.
He suffered a broken jaw, cuts and a bruised shoulder, requiring two days of hospital treatment.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Crossgill had failed to properly plan and manage the risks from erecting the rails, including the risk of workers becoming trapped due to the nature of the work.
"When used safely, mobile elevated work platforms, or cherrypickers, can significantly reduce the risk of injuries from falls from height, but in recent years there has been a significant number of incidents in which workers have been crushed against fixtures or other obstacles, including several fatalities," said HSE inspector Andrea Robbins.
Worker Suffered Broken Bones After Becoming Trapped
A construction company in Consett has been fined £6,000 after a worker suffered injuries when he became trapped between the basket of a cherrypicker and a steel rail.The 20-year-old worker was employed as a trainee steel erector for Crossgill Construction and was helping to install cladding rails to a building extension when the incident took place.
He suffered a broken jaw, cuts and a bruised shoulder, requiring two days of hospital treatment.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Crossgill had failed to properly plan and manage the risks from erecting the rails, including the risk of workers becoming trapped due to the nature of the work.
"When used safely, mobile elevated work platforms, or cherrypickers, can significantly reduce the risk of injuries from falls from height, but in recent years there has been a significant number of incidents in which workers have been crushed against fixtures or other obstacles, including several fatalities," said HSE inspector Andrea Robbins.
Expert Opinion
Health and safety regulations are in place to protect workers from accidents and injuries at work, but all too often we see companies failing to comply with the latest regulations, resulting in serious and life-changing injuries for employees. <br/> <br/>“This incident, where a man was severely injured, could have easily been avoided if the correct procedures were carried out, such as managing the risks associated with working at height. <br/> <br/>“It is crucial employers take their responsibility for safety seriously and take the necessary steps to prevent incidents like this in the future.” Colin Ettinger - Consultant
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