Case ‘Highlights Devastating And Life-Changing Consequences Of Safety Failings’

By Rob Dixon

A builder from Leicestershire has been fined £4,000 and ordered to pay costs after a worker suffered multiple serious injuries in a fall from height at a property in Hallaton.

Peter William Steans pleaded guilty to a breach of Work at Height Regulations 2005 in relation to the incident in September last year, when a 50-year-old worker fell six metres while repairing a second floor window.

The man, who suffered head injuries, spinal fractures and fractures to his pelvis and wrist, was working from an extended ladder when he dropped a piece of window bead. As he started to climb down to retrieve it, he fell to the patio below.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), its investigation into the incident revealed a suitable tower scaffold was on site which could have been used to remove the risk of working from a ladder while doing such work.

Workplace injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell specialise in helping victims left with serious long-term injuries in falls from height to gain justice and access to vital funds which go towards their continued recovery and rehabilitation.

Sally Rissbrook, an expert in accident at work claims at the national law firm, said: “Falls from height are among the most common causes of workplace injury, yet we have seen on numerous occasions the terrible consequences that emerge when employers fail to protect staff from the risk of such issues.

“This case is a terrible example of how devastating workplace incidents can be on those involved, with this man being unable to return to his normal job as a result of the life-changing injuries he has suffered.

“Perhaps the most shocking aspect is that, according to the HSE, this could and should have been avoided through the use of the right equipment. The construction industry as a whole needs to learn from serious problems like this if health and safety in the sector is going to be improved in the long run.”

Our accident at work solicitors could help you claim compensation if you’ve fallen from height at work. Visit our falls from height claims page for more information.