Back Broken At Work

Firm Fined After Worker Breaks Back

A fishing boat operator has been fined £7,000 after an electrician broke his back in three places in a workplace accident.

Philip Parcell, 53, a contractor from Newby, was working onboard a ship for Our Julia Ltd in Scarborough when he fell from a ladder.

The incident broke his back, fractured his skull in two places and left him with serious nerve damage to the left side of his face. He has since been forced to quit his job as an electrician as a result of the fall, which happened in July 2009.

Scarborough Magistrates' Court heard that the company had failed to provide a suitable ladder for Mr Parcell.

In addition to the fine, Our Julia Ltd was ordered to pay £2,028 in costs after admitting to a violation of health and safety regulations.

Speaking after the hearing, Health and Safety Executive inspector Paul Newton said: "The injuries Mr Parcell sustained from his fall aboard Our Julia were horrific and they could have been prevented.

"Too many lives are shattered as a result of falls from height at work, and I hope this prosecution serves to remind all employers that proper precautions must be taken at all times."

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David Urpeth from law firm Irwin Mitchell said: "I welcome the fine imposed following this serious work accident.

"Falls from height remain a major cause of serious and fatal injuries following an accident at work.

"The sad fact is that in many cases, the work accident could easily be avoided."