The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prosecuted after a work accident in which an employee fell from height from a racking storage unit he was assembling.

In July 2008, the worker was assembling the unit at Toolbank Specialist Services in Halesowen, West Midlands. There was no edge protection to the unit and he fell approximately 10 feet, injuring his head and ribs.

On Monday (12/10/09) at Dudley Magistrates’ Court, West Midlands Installations of the Brook Street Business Centre, Tipton pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £7,561 costs.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Tariq Khan said:

‘While the injuries suffered were serious, they could have been much worse. A fall from this kind of height can be fatal.

‘Whenever anyone is working at height, their employers need to ensure there is protection around the edges to warn of the dangers and prevent falls. It is something that can be easily implemented and could ultimately save lives and money.’

© 5r1 Limited 2009