Construction firm fined £13,000 after worker suffers burns
10:59 - 28/11/2010
Construction firm fined £13,000 afte...
A construction firm has been fined £13,000 and ordered to pay court costs of £3,870 following an incident in August 2009 which left one of its workers with severe burns.
Pacestone Construction Ltd, based in Solihull, pleaded guilty at Walsall Magistrate’s Court to breaching regulation 34(3) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007.
The court heard how the worker in question was using a pneumatic drill to a dig a trench at a housing development site in Walsall when he struck an underground power cable. As a result, he suffered severe burns and had to be airlifted to Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham, for emergency treatment.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the firm had failed to make the worker aware of where the underground cables were located on site and had not taken sufficient steps to protect their employees from the associated risks.
The HSE work hard throughout the year to raise awareness of the dangers involved in working in the construction industry, and they provide clear guidance on how to work safely on construction sites. Figures indicate that there around 1,000 electrical accidents at work every year and that an estimated 25 people die of their injuries. The HSE therefore continue to campaign for increased safety and vigilance.
Commenting on the prosecution of Pacestone Construction Ltd, HSE Inspector David Price said: “This incident was entirely preventable had the company taken sensible precautions. [...] Serious injury or even death can result from contact with electricity. It’s essential that employers have safe working procedures for any work involving electrical plant, cabling or equipment.”
First Response Training can offer the specially tailored 4-day IOSH-accredited Managing Safely in Construction training course, which teaches senior site staff how to manage efficiently in compliance with their company safety policy and current health and safety legislation. This course leads to a formal qualification through IOSH, the world’s largest professional health and safety organisation, and a personal display certificate.
Perry Leeks, Managing Director at First Response Training, says: “After completing the IOSH course delegates will have an understanding of how legal duties translate into their managerial responsibilities and will be able to distinguish between the duties and responsibilities of the employer, employee, client, contractor and sub-contractor. They will be familiar with risk assessment and risk control and, overall, will know the importance of continuous active monitoring. The course also covers the CDM regulations.”
First Response also offers a selection of e-learning titles, including an Electrical Safety training programme, which is just 25 minutes in duration and is interactive in format. It is ideal for nay worker exposed to electricity at work and is perfect for inducting new starters or for refresher training. Call First Response today on 0800 310 2300 to find out more.
Hodgins Smith Consulting Ltd, First Response’s sister company, can also provide CDM Co-ordinator services and health and safety consultancy services, including carrying out thorough risk assessments and writing health and safety policies specific to your organisation. Call them on 01292 678 484 to find out more.
Pacestone Construction Ltd, based in Solihull, pleaded guilty at Walsall Magistrate’s Court to breaching regulation 34(3) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007.
The court heard how the worker in question was using a pneumatic drill to a dig a trench at a housing development site in Walsall when he struck an underground power cable. As a result, he suffered severe burns and had to be airlifted to Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham, for emergency treatment.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the firm had failed to make the worker aware of where the underground cables were located on site and had not taken sufficient steps to protect their employees from the associated risks.
The HSE work hard throughout the year to raise awareness of the dangers involved in working in the construction industry, and they provide clear guidance on how to work safely on construction sites. Figures indicate that there around 1,000 electrical accidents at work every year and that an estimated 25 people die of their injuries. The HSE therefore continue to campaign for increased safety and vigilance.
Commenting on the prosecution of Pacestone Construction Ltd, HSE Inspector David Price said: “This incident was entirely preventable had the company taken sensible precautions. [...] Serious injury or even death can result from contact with electricity. It’s essential that employers have safe working procedures for any work involving electrical plant, cabling or equipment.”
First Response Training can offer the specially tailored 4-day IOSH-accredited Managing Safely in Construction training course, which teaches senior site staff how to manage efficiently in compliance with their company safety policy and current health and safety legislation. This course leads to a formal qualification through IOSH, the world’s largest professional health and safety organisation, and a personal display certificate.
Perry Leeks, Managing Director at First Response Training, says: “After completing the IOSH course delegates will have an understanding of how legal duties translate into their managerial responsibilities and will be able to distinguish between the duties and responsibilities of the employer, employee, client, contractor and sub-contractor. They will be familiar with risk assessment and risk control and, overall, will know the importance of continuous active monitoring. The course also covers the CDM regulations.”
First Response also offers a selection of e-learning titles, including an Electrical Safety training programme, which is just 25 minutes in duration and is interactive in format. It is ideal for nay worker exposed to electricity at work and is perfect for inducting new starters or for refresher training. Call First Response today on 0800 310 2300 to find out more.
Hodgins Smith Consulting Ltd, First Response’s sister company, can also provide CDM Co-ordinator services and health and safety consultancy services, including carrying out thorough risk assessments and writing health and safety policies specific to your organisation. Call them on 01292 678 484 to find out more.
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