Fall through fragile ceiling tiles

Failure to implemented control measures for working near fragile surfaces

A company has been fined £50,000 after an employee fell through fragile ceiling tiles in January 2016.

Basildon Magistrates’ Court heard how the workman was instructed to sort shoes which were stored on a floor adjacent to an unprotected area of fragile ceiling tiles.

He fell through the fragile ceiling tiles, approximately 2.7m to the floor below, and suffered serious pelvic injuries.

Assess and control risks from non-routine tasks

HSE investigators found the company failed to implement control measures for employees working near fragile ceiling tiles.

Indulgence Patisserie Limited – of Clough Road, Colchester pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 9(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and has been fined £50,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,151.50

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Jessica Churchyard said:

“Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work related fatalities in this country and the risks associated with working at height are well-known.

Working on or near fragile surfaces should be properly assessed and managed. This case highlights the importance for companies to assess and control risks created by non-routine tasks.”

Article Credit: ppconstructionsafety

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