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An electrical company based in Hertfordshire was fined £120,000 by the Lewes Crown Court after a man was knocked off a scissor lift and subsequently left paralyzed.
The attending HSE’s (Health and Safety Executive) Inspector said “The fine reflects the seriousness of the omissions by this company. Skanska Rashleigh Weatherfoil Ltd employed people to do highly hazardous work and yet failed to take the appropriate steps to ensure their safety.” A New York Spinal Injury reported that the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) prosecuted Skanska Rashleigh Weatherfoil Ltd after the incident which happened on the 25 January 2007 at the Manor Royal Industrial Park in Crawley.
The Lewes Crown Court heard the case which stated that the company had been subcontracted to design and build the mechanical and electrical systems in a number of new buildings. A cable installer from Hartlepool was working in a scissor lift with two coworkers. They were tying cables into overhead trays when they collapsed, knocking the man out of the lift and causing him to fall 8m to the floor below. According to a New York Spinal Injury Lawyer, the contractor suffered severe spinal injuries and is now paralyzed from the waist down. Electrical and construction accidents are often reported in Brooklyn and The Bronx and the cases are dealt with on an individual basis.
The HSE told the court that Skanska Rashleigh Weatherfoil Ltd had failed to ensure the safety of its employees while carrying out the installation of the cable tray systems by failing to ensure they were secured to the ceiling of the building.
Skanska Rashleigh Weatherfoil Ltd admitted breaching section 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the court fined them £120,000.
The HSE representative said, “This tragic incident would have been avoided if the company had ensured all parts of the cable tray system had been properly designed and installed, including how it was attached to the building. During installation, when components were failing or showing signs of failure, Skanska took no action. When construction work is subcontracted, whether it’s design or installation work, it is essential companies have adequate systems in place to manage this effectively. It is essential that employers consider all aspects of difficult and dangerous work; health and safety is not just a phrase, it is a considered approach to protecting people in the workplace.”
Many are injured in work-place incidents every year. If you are one of the many, please contact a New York Spinal Injury Attorney. With their specialized care, your case will get the attention it deserves.