Lack of training contributed to ladder fall

Prosecutions and Claims |
11.04.2008

The HSE has prosecuted a Leicester firm after one of its employees fell six feet from a stepladder, seriously injuring his back.

In October 2006, Mark Lowen, an employee of Air Plant Dust Extraction, was fitting a new extraction system at the premises of a joinery company in Attlebridge, Norfolk.

The stepladder he was using was on an uneven surface and he was handling a long length of ducking, which may have compromised his balance.

He fell from the ladder and landed on the ground. He was off work for four months and had to return to a different role.

An HSE investigation revealed that his employer had failed to risk assess the work and failed to train Lowen on how to work safely at height.

Air Plant Dust Extraction admitted breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act. On 7 April at Norwich Crown Court the firm was fined £5000 plus £5147 costs.

"The fall that Mark suffered has left him with lasting back problems and affected his earning capability at work," said HSE inspector Joanne Williams.

"I hope this prosecution makes it clear to employers that they need to properly manage the risks of working at height and that HSE will not hesitate to take action against those who fall short of the law in such a way."