A Hertfordshire-based electrical company has been fined £120,000 after a man was left paralysed when he was knocked from a scissor lift.
Lewes Crown Court heard the company had been subcontracted to design and build the mechanical and electrical systems in a number of new buildings.
A cable installer, who does not want to be named, was working in a scissor lift with two colleagues tying cables into overhead trays when they collapsed, knocking the man out of the lift and causing him to fall eight metres to the floor below.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Skanska Rashleigh Weatherfoil Ltd after the incident happened on the 25 January 2007, as they found that the company had failed to ensure the safety of its employees while carrying out the installation of the cable tray systems.
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The man, from Hartlepool, suffered severe spinal injuries and is now paralysed from the waist down.
Skanska Rashleigh Weatherfoil Ltd admitted breaching section 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined a total of £120,000 with full costs of £81,927.
After the hearing, HSE’s Inspector Denis Bodger 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.
“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.”
