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Health and safety failure led to worker falling from height

Health and safety failures were to blame for a member of staff at a steeplejack firm falling from a height and suffering serious injuries.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the accident and found that Rafferty Chimneys Engineering of Stoke-on-Trent was at fault, because the guard rail in place to prevent a fall was too low.

Kevin Ford suffered injuries to his heel and was in plaster for four months as a result of the incident.

HSE inspector Guy Dale stated that health and safety failings were to blame for the accident occurring.

He said: "Working at height is the most common cause of workplace injuries. With the right equipment and a proper risk assessment this could have been prevented."

The firm pleaded guilty to the charges and was fined £8,000 as a result.

Delme L James was recently fined £8,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,189 after worker Gwyndaf Davies fell from a farm building roof and suffered brain injuries.

Quantum Risk Management is a leading Health and Safety consultant  

Posted on 17/08/2010

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