A demolition boss was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after a worker was left paralysed following a fall from the roof of a pub in Sutherland.
The worker was working for David Brian Riseborough who owns North Eastern Demolition Company, when the incident happened in June 2010.
The firm was demolishing a pub and Mr Riseborough had decided that the slates and timber of the pitched roof was to be removed by hand. A mobile access platform was used to provide access for workers and act as a barrier to prevent falls.
But, the platform did not cover the whole length of the roof so additional controls should have been implemented by Mr Riseborough but these controls were lacking or ineffective where provided.
Whilst working on the roof, the worker fell two storeys to the ground. He suffered serious injuries including several fractures to three vertebrae, his right elbow and both bones of his lower right leg. His right hip also dislocated and his right lung collapsed.
As a result of the serious damage to his spine, the worker’s limbs are all paralysed and he requires permanent care in a nursing home.
The HSE investigation found that it was unnecessary for any work to be carried out at height as there was a 360 excavator on site that could have carried out the entire demolition. The way that work was carried out was unsafe as the instruction and supervision of employees was not sufficient or suitable.
Swain & Co.’s expert personal injury solicitors say that falls from heights is the most common of the workplace fatalities. In 2010/2011 there were 20 deaths, 3957 major injuries and 5727 injuries that caused the injured person to be off work for three or more days, due to falling from a height.
We are pleased to see that this company’s boss has been prosecuted for his breaches of health and safety.
The spinal injuries the worker sustained means that his whole life and that of his family has been altered and the injuries have had a devastating impact.
If you have been injured at work then you could be entitled to compensation. Swain & Co.’s specialist personal injury lawyers are here for you. We can get you the compensation you need. We know money will not make up for the injuries you sustained, especially serious spinal injuries, but it may help pay for ongoing care, rehabilitation and the life changes you may need to make.
We can act on a no win no fee basis and are experienced in bringing claims against employers.
We offer a free initial consultation, and are phone number is free to so call us today on 0800 0351 999
Related Articles:
Two teenagers injured from fall at work
Firm fined over death of carpenter on university construction site
Man injured at work as guardrail gives on building site