Self-employed scaffolders Gary Roser of Hastings was working for Giant Scaffolding Ltd on a four-storey scaffold on a building in East Parade, Hastings last October. He was spotted without a harness by a passing Health & Safety Executive (HSE) inspector.
Hastings Magistrates' Court was told that when the inspector initially saw Mr Roser, he was, balancing on scaffolding tubes approximately 8m up. However, it emerged that harnesses were available in their van for the workers to use.
Industry guidance requires scaffolders to wear and use a fall arrest harness when more than 4m above ground without a safe platform to stand on and edge protection in place.
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The court was also told that Battle-based Giant Scaffolding had repeatedly failed to reply to written questions put to them by the inspector despite a number of warnings.
After the hearing, HSE inspector Melvyn Stancliffe said: "The simple measure of wearing a harness can save scaffolders from death or serious injury. A basic common sense approach to work is all that's needed to prevent a possible tragedy. In many cases, harnesses are available but some workmen just cannot be bothered to wear them. They should take a moment to think about the consequences.
"It was reckless for Mr Roser to be working in this way. He was exposing himself and members of the public walking below to unnecessary risk. He was seen working in 2008 in similar circumstances and was warned about his future conduct. Giant Scaffolding Ltd has also been warned about the dangerous working practices of those working for it.”
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