Following the serious injuries of Mr. Calum Redman, a 36 year old labourer and subsequent Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation and court case of Pellikaan (Construction) Ltd., London, the HSE have issued a safety warning to the construction industry as a whole.
Mr. Redman received serious injuries whilst working at a new build leisure centre in Royston, Hertfordshire on 13 November 2004. He was buried beneath falling debris from the collapse of the first floor of the building.
HSE Investigating Inspector, Norman Mac Ritchie, said:
"Calum Redman was seriously injured during this incident and the fact is, it could have been avoided. It is vital that those in the construction industry take this as a warning as this incident could have had much graver consequences.
"Contractors working on temporary structures should conduct suitable risk assessments and take steps to prevent danger from their collapse. For example, by ensuring that temporary support is suitably designed and erected under the supervision of a competent person."An appropriate assessment of the loading forces, and load bearing capacity of the supports, is fundamental.
"We wish Calum Redman a speedy recovery."
Pleading guilty for breaching health and safety legislation, Pellikaan (Construction) Ltd. was fined £45,000 at Stevenage Magistrates Court on 15 March 2006.
The health and safety legislation breached by Pellikaan (Construction) Ltd. was as follows:
- Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974, Section 2(1).
- Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974, Section 3(1).
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Reg 5(1).
- Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996 Reg 4(1), (concerning failure to discharge a duty to comply with Regulation 9(1).
A practical guidance on risk management is available from the HSE Webpage and can be accessed by clicking the following:
There is also lots of information for the construction industry within the HSE construction webpage. The webpage can be accessed by clicking the following:
Article by Alexandra Johnston
