Truro Magistrates’ Court heard how, on 18th August 2016, 58-year old Simon Powell, who has impaired mobility and suffers from epilepsy, had been sitting on the balcony at his property when he fell more than three metres through a plastic panel, which had been installed within his balcony and onto the beach below. Mr Powell suffered multiple fractures and damage to his liver.
ChristalClearProperties Ltd had been working on the refurbishment of the neighbouring riverside property, which included changes to that property’s balcony that required it to be extended to join that of Mr Powell’s. Sheets of plywood and plastic were used to temporarily infill the completed balcony framework prior to toughened safety glass infills being fitted.
An investigation by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) found that in the absence of safety glazing, the fall prevention measures were inadequate and there were no measures in place to prevent access to the balcony until the construction work had been completed. The investigation also found there was no construction phase plan in place; nor was there a specific risk assessment for the use of plywood or plastic as an interim measure. The plastic sheeting that was used was unsuitable, HSE said, as it did not offer Mr Powell any impact protection.
ChristalClearProperties Ltd of Langurtho Road, Fowey, Cornwall pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. It was fined £22,000 with costs of £4,782.72.
Anthony John Ham of Langurtho Road, Fowey, Cornwall pleaded guilty to breaching Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. He was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay costs of £4,782.72.
HSE inspector Georgina Speake said after the hearing: “This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices. Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work related fatalities/injuries in this country and the risks associated with working at height are well known.”
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