Man Died After Suffering Head Injuries At Work

Ovenpride Wholesale and one of its managers have been fined over an incident in which a worker suffered serious injuries after a fall from height.

Rocco Carofalo was working at Ovenpride’s Finchley Rd Bakery and using a stepladder while building shelving in a storeroom in April 2009. He was later found on the floor with a severe head wound and died as a result of the injuries he suffered around two months later.

An inspection by the Health and Safety Executive led to a prohibition notice being issued over work at height, due to concerns over the quality of access equipment. In addition, a stepladder found to be in poor condition was taken from the site by the inspectors.

Both Ovenpride Wholesale and manager Amjad  Mahmood pleaded guilty to health and safety breaches in relation the incident.

Stephen Nye, a Partner and workplace injury specialist at Irwin Mitchell’s Birmingham office, said: “Falls from height are among some of the most common work accidents we are regularly contacted for advice in relation to.

“Sadly, as this terrible case shows, they are also the kind of incidents which can have a devastating impact on people – often leaving them with life-changing or even fatal injuries.

“Businesses and other employers simply cannot afford to underestimate the importance of ensuring workers are not only fully trained on safety, but also given the tools which allow them to carry out their jobs in the safest possible manner.

“We see far too many cases like this one and it is vital that companies learn lessons from this which will keep others safe in the future.”

If you have lost a loved one due to a workplace accident we could help you claim compensation and help get the answers you deserve. For more information visit our falls from height claims page.