Company fined £1m over worker's 36ft fall

BBC News have reported that a man suffered life changing injuries as a result of an accident whilst working for a logistics company.

The worker fell 36 feet through an open hole in the driver’s cab of a straddle carrier onto concrete. At the time of the incident, he was carrying out routine maintenance work unaware of the open hole created by contractors replacing a glass floor.

He suffered severe injuries to his skull, back and pelvis affecting his day-to-day life.

It was reported that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) department found that Southampton Container Terminals Limited failed to ensure that there was a safe system of work at its Western Avenue site.

The company was fined £1 million for failing to ensure that there was a risk assessment in place and failing to implement its own policy for the use of permits for working at heights.

An employer has a duty of care to ensure the health and safety of their employees during the course of their employment. Whilst all work may involve some risks, the employer must within the legislative framework mitigate any practical risks at the workplace to protect their employees.

This should include providing:

1. A safe place of work
2. A safe system of work and working practices
3. Competent staff and colleagues
4. Adequate training and instructions

At Bell Lax we have dealt with many cases over the years involving falls from height.  This has included securing significant compensation for the family of an individual who fell through a roof to his death leaving behind his partner and 2 young children.

If you have been involved in an accident and you are unsure as to whether your employer is at fault, we recommend getting advice from a legal professional. Please call us and speak to one of our experienced personal injury solicitors on a no obligation basis on 0121 355 0011.  We will not charge you for your call and if we act for you this will be on a no win no fee basis.