HSE warns demolition firms after employee breaks his spine in fall

Date:

22 October 2009

Release No:

HSE/E/25

A Norwich employer has today been fined £7,500 after one of his workers broke his spine in a fall at the former RAF Watton site in Norfolk.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Tim Philpott, trading as Philpott Demolition and Recycling, of Spinney Close, Long Stratton, Norwich, for his role in the incident on 20 April 2007.

Today (Thursday 22 October 2009) Mr Philpott pleaded guilty at Norwich Magistrates' Court to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 between 21 March 2007 and 9 May 2007.

The court heard that Gediminas Vasiliauskas was removing old roof tiles and timber from a former aircraft hangar at the site when the incident happened.

Mr Vasiliauskas broke his spine in the incident and had to have a metal disk inserted into his back. He was unable to work for a year following the incident and during that time he also lost his sense of taste and smell.

Following the hearing, HSE Inspector Nicola Surrey said:

"Mr Vasiliauskas was lucky to survive this incident, which could have been avoided if his employer had taken precautions to ensure his employee's safety.

"Working at height is one of the most dangerous things employees can do. This case highlights the need for companies to do everything possible to minimise the risks employees face when working at height.

"HSE provides plenty of advice and guidance for employers on how to keep their workers safe while working at height."

Notes to editors

1. Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 states: "It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees."
2. In the East of England in 2007/08, 6 people died in reported incidents of falls from height (Fatal injuries to workers in the East of England by industry and kind of accident 2001/02 - 2007/08).
3. Guidance and advice on working safety at height can be found on the HSE website at Falls from height - health and safety in the workplace

Press enquiries

Regional reporters should call the appropriate Regional News Network press office.

Issued on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive by COI News & PR East