The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prosecuted a construction company after a freelance contractor suffered severe injuries after a fall from height on a self-build project.

In November 2008, the self-employed timber frame erector – who was subcontracted to the company ECH Ltd – was working at height on the project at Warwick Park in Tunbridge Wells. He fell five metres to the bottom of an inadequately covered stairwell and sustained multiple fractures, including a fractured skull. A colleague who had been working with the injured man was unhurt.

On Wednesday (06/01/2010) at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court, ECH Ltd – trading as Maple Timber Frames and registered in Preston, Lancashire – pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined £16,000 and ordered to pay £5,000 towards the costs of the HSE investigation into the incident.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Melvyn Stancliffe said:

‘I would echo the magistrates’ statement that these were reckless breaches of the law. The injured man is extremely lucky – despite the severity of his injuries.

‘This sort of fall could easily have killed him. It is all the sadder because it should have been prevented if ECH Ltd had heeded simple safety advice.’

Mr Stancliffe said that falls were the biggest cause of serious and fatal accidents in the construction industry. He added that there was ‘considerable advice’ available, designed to help duty holders ensure employees and sub-contractors were ‘provided with a safe working environment’ – and much of the information could be accessed free of charge.

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