When a straightforward task required straightforward controls
What happened?
A worker was installing a security camera on the outside of The Clarendon Food Company Limited’s building, in Pwllheli, north-west Wales, April 2020, using an unsecured ladder. The ladder slipped and the worker fell approximately 15ft sustaining multiple fractures to his right arm, left leg, cheekbone and a dislocation of his backbone.
The HSE’s investigation found the work at height had not been properly planned, and alternative access equipment to allow safe working at height had not been considered. No training had been provided to either the injured party or others in relation to work at height. There was also a failure to ensure effective monitoring of work at height practices to identify any shortcomings in the company’s procedures which had persisted for some time.
The Chairman of the Ladder Association, said: “Ladders can be a sensible and practical option for working at height for low risk and short duration tasks. Where the work has been properly planned, the ladder can be used safely, be secured, and when it is being used by a competent person.
Legal Outcome
In the April 2022 court case, The Clarendon Food Company Limited pleaded guilty to breaching section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. They were fined £40,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,344.30.
What can we learn from what happened?
This is a very straightforward case involving a very straightforward task. The injuries sustained by the worker were very serious, but they could have been fatal. Falls from ladders and stepladders have resulted in fatalities as will be reflected in this case study library.
Any work at height has the potential for serious consequences, and all it takes is a good choice of equipment to access the job, equipment that is in good condition, appropriate training and awareness, appreciation of the environmental conditions, and some supervision and monitoring. Not difficult, but yet there are so many accidents similar to the one detailed here.
Source of Information
SHP Online