A principal contractor has been fined £2,250 after a worker suffered serious head injuries when he fell through a loading platform at a boat building company.
Overview
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that on 18 September 2006, Kevin Cleightonhills, 21, of Bembridge, Isle of Wight, was attempting to push a boat on to a purpose-designed loading platform, at Bembridge Marine on Embankment Road.
As he was doing so, a panel in the floor of the platform moved and opened a gap, causing him to fall nearly 3.5 metres and leaving him with severe head injuries.
A HSE investigation found that the number of clips used to hold the floor panels in place was fewer than that recommended by British Standards on walkways and stair treads, and that there was no other means of preventing the panels from moving sideways.
Outcome
The HSE prosecuted the principal contractor, Malcolm Ely, formerly from Osborne Heights, East Cowes, Isle of Wight. He pleaded guilty to breaching section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, at Portsmouth Crown Court. He was fined £2,250 and ordered to pay costs of £1,000.
After the hearing HSE Inspector Tracey Cartwright said:
“As the design and build contractor for this project Mr Ely should have ensured effective co-ordination and communication by all those involved in this project.
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Source: Health & Safety Executive
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