Company Prosecuted Following HSE Investigation

A workplace injury lawyer has revealed his hopes that lessons have been learnt after a construction firm was fined for failing to put the correct fall protection measures in place to protect workers.

Retro Future 2000 Ltd of Oldham Road, Manchester was fined £7,000 and ordered to pay costs of almost £2,000 after an investigation of the firm’s six-storey Kings Dock site in April 2010 revealed there were no barriers in place to protect workers from falls.

Among the areas which did not feature adequate protection were an open lift shaft, a staircase landing and an empty floor-to-ceiling window frame.

The Health and Safety Executive also served the firm with four enforcement notices on a previous visit to the site in October 2009.

David Urpeth, who specialises in accident at work claims for Irwin Mitchell, said: “Falls from height are among the most dangerous incidents that can occur on a construction site, with those involved often suffering serious or fatal injuries.

“However, such problems are often easily preventable through the use of the correct protection equipment and other measures such as signage to boost awareness of risks in the workplace.

“This case highlights clearly that firms cannot afford – both financially and for the sake of the workers – to neglect such issues.”

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.