UK Scaffolding Firm Fined After Trainee Dies in 5m Fall
Construction methods · Project management
A UK scaffolding contractor was fined £16,000 after a trainee worker died from a 5m fall from a partially erected scaffold. An HSE investigation found safe zones were not established and workers were not using harnesses or lanyards.
Following a fatal incident in Yorkshire, a scaffolding contractor has been penalized in court. In July 2023, trainee scaffolder Michael Swales fell 5m from a partially erected structure while working on a two-storey house under construction near Ripon. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive established that the firm failed to ensure safe working at height, noting that safe zones were not established and workers were not using harnesses or lanyards. Ask Scaffolding pleaded guilty to breaching the Work at Height Regulations 2005 at Leeds Magistrates' Court.
Key takeaways
- In July 2023, trainee scaffolder Michael Swales died after stepping on an unsecured scaffold board and falling 5m near Ripon.
- A Health and Safety Executive inquiry found safe zones were not established and workers were not using harnesses or lanyards.
- Ask Scaffolding pleaded guilty to breaching the Work at Height Regulations 2005 at Leeds Magistrates' Court.
- The court ordered the company to pay a £16,000 fine, £8,000 in costs, and a £2,000 victim surcharge.
Source：Construction Management Read the original ↗
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