Employee Injured After Unsafe Loads Caused Collapse

A loft conversion company has been fined for safety failings following a scaffolding collapse in North London that injured an employee.

Lofty Creations UK Ltd pleaded guilty to a breach of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007, and was fined £5,000 and a further £1,019 in costs.

The scaffolding was being used to provide access to the roof of a two storey property when it buckled under the weight of materials – more than three tonnes, far greater than the structure could safely handle.

After the scaffolding buckled, the structure tipped forward, resulting in a six metre fall for a worker and an array of materials. Tomas Pastura, 24, broke two ribs in the fall.

After the hearing HSE Inspector Simon Hester said: "The collapse would not have occurred had the scaffold been designed by a competent specialist to carry loads of 3.5 tonnes with an overhanging cantilever to accommodate the bay window.

"That didn’t happen and Mr Pastura suffered a painful injury as a result – although he is perhaps fortunate not to have come off a lot worse.

"Lofty Creations failed to adequately plan and design the scaffold that collapsed; failed to manage the storage of heavy materials; and ultimately failed to protect its workforce."

If you've been a victim of a scaffolding accident, get in touch to see how we could help you make a claim. Read our guide on accidents at work if you feel you have grounds for a claim.

Expert Opinion

Accidents while working at height are some of the most common causes of injuries in the workplace and this is the latest in a long line of incidents that have resulted in the serious injury of employees. It illustrates the importance of meeting the latest health and safety guidelines issued by the HSE. <br/> <br/>“All too often we see individuals suffering serious injuries, or even losing their lives, in falls from height and it is vital employers take their responsibility for the safety of their workforce seriously, which includes conducting risk assessments, ensuring workers are trained to work at height and that any risks identified are removed from the workplace.” Stephen Nye - Partner