Workers injured after a wall collapses

A construction company has experienced some difficulties against its employers liability insurance when two workers were seriously injured at work.

An investigation by the health and safety executive (HSE) has been underway after an incident which involved a wall which fell onto two workers.

Two men, one 17 years old, were carrying out refurbishment work to a large domestic property which had been in dire condition for a number of years. They were creating an opening in a lime mortar gable end wall when the wall collapsed, injuring both workers.

The 17 year old was seriously hurt, suffering a fractured pelvis, ligament damage to his ankle and chipped teeth.

Simon Jones Restoration and Re-design Limited pleaded guilty to breaching section 28(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and were fined £4,000, with £3,000 in costs. They were also ordered to pay £1,000 compensation to the injured teenager.

Mark Renouf, HSE Inspector said:

“This was a serious case which could easily have been fatal. The job was complex with a substantial element of temporary works. It needed to be carefully and meticulously planned with the involvement of a competent engineer. Unfortunately this was not done and as a result led to terrible consequences.”

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