The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a warning to sole traders after a labourer was killed while working for a plumber.

In October 2006, 24-year-old Ajet Krasniqi died when he was struck on the head by a steel joist at a site in Buckhurst Hill, Essex.

Mr Krasniqi was employed by plumber and sole trader Leonard Gibson to help complete the refurbishment of a property. He was helping lift the joist with four colleagues when it slipped and hit him on the head. He was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.

On Thursday, 22 October at Harlow Magistrates’ Court, Mr Gibson of Old Park Ridings in Enfield, Middlesex was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £3,230 costs. He had pleaded guilty to a breach of Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 at a previous hearing on 22 September.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Nicola Surrey said the incident could have been prevented had Mr Gobson made sure his workers ‘were not left exposed to unnecessary risks’.

The HSE has now issued a warning to sole traders who employ others.

‘There is plenty of advice and guidance available from the HSE to help people comply with the law and keep workers safe,’ said Ms Surrey. ‘However, for those who fall short of the law, the HSE will not hesitate to take action.’

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