Company Fined After Worker’s Fatal Fall from Church Steeple
Ecclesiastical Steeplejacks Ltd, a specialist construction company, has been fined £60,000 following the death of 64-year-old steeplejack David Clover. On 13 November 2020, Mr. Clover was performing restoration work on St Nicholas’ Church in Kings Norton, Birmingham, when he fell from the 60-meter-high steeple while seated in a bosun’s chair. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that the bosun’s chair lacked a suitable backup system, such as a double or twin leg lanyard fall arrest harness, to prevent falls. The company pleaded guilty to contravening Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
Sheffield Concrete Company Penalized After Worker’s Leg Amputation
Amber Precast Ltd, a concrete manufacturing firm based in Sheffield, has been fined after an incident where worker Wayne Hatton lost part of his leg. The accident occurred when an 800kg steel pallet fell on Mr. Hatton’s legs during a night shift at the company’s factory in 2021, leading to a partial leg amputation. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the pallet was not supported while being moved and that Mr. Hatton and other workers had not been instructed on how to handle it safely.
Doncaster Stonemasons Fined for Exposing Workers to Hazardous Stone Dust
A stonemasonry firm in Doncaster and its director have been fined nearly £20,000 for health and safety breaches after failing to protect staff from exposure to potentially fatal stone dust, specifically respirable crystalline silica (RCS). HSE inspectors found that the company did not implement adequate measures to control the inhalation of RCS, a substance known to cause serious lung diseases. Despite being issued improvement notices, the firm failed to comply, demonstrating a “reckless disregard” for health and safety.
These cases serve as critical reminders for organizations to rigorously adhere to health and safety regulations, ensuring the well-being of employees and the public.
