Scaffolding firm fined £50,0000 after worker seriously injured

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A scaffolding company based in Ipswich Suffolk has been ordered to pay out more than £500,000 after a worker was left with a life-changing injury in an accident at the site.

The firm based in Sproughton Road pleaded guilty and was sentenced for a string of health and safety offences at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on February 3.

After an accident at the firm an investigation was launched on November 21, 2019, due to a lack of necessary health and safety measures put in place.

Brisko Scaffolding LTD were served with a prohibition notice by Babergh District Council, preventing them from moving whole stacks of steel bundles in one go.

The firm however continued with the practice after further evidence provided by the injured employee, the council found the company had failed to comply with the notice.

Brisko Scaffolding LTD admitted  failing to provide adequate instruction, failing to provide a safe system of work, supervision or training, failing to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment and failure to comply with a prohibition notice.

The company was ordered to pay a total of £515,527.65, including costs off £15,527.65 to Babergh District Council and a victim surcharge of £170.

Brisk Scaffolding commented saying that: “On 3 February 2022, Brisko Scaffolding Ltd pleaded guilty to breaches of health and safety legislation following a workplace accident in November 2019. The business apologises unreservedly for its failings at that time.

“Since 2019, the company has replaced its external health and safety consultants and appointed a full time health and safety manager with over 30 years’ experience, an operations training manager and training supervisor, as well as a dedicated site based health and safety assistant who is tasked with undertaking a continuous and thorough review of the way in which the company manages its on-site activities; in particular health and safety.

“A rigorous and extensive review of the company’s health and safety controls, management procedures and risk assessments has been completed and the company has also introduced a steel racking programme at a costs of £160,000 to date.

“The business considers the health and safety of its customers and employees as its top priority at all times. The company is dedicated and committed to investing in the training of its employees and fostering a positive health and safety culture across the business.

“Brisko Scaffolding Ltd and everyone connected with the company deeply regrets the accident in November 2019 and the injury suffered by a long standing and valued colleague.”