Construction worker falls through void in roof

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A construction company based in Derbyshire has been fined after a worker was seriously injured when he fell through a void.

Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard how a worker employed by a sub-contractor working for Bowmer and Kirkland Limited, was contracted to pour concrete onto the first floor of a building that was under construction at Fort Kinnaird Retail Park, Edinburgh.

The employee was walking across a floor that was under construction when his boot caught and he tripped. He dislodged an unsecured wooden board which had been placed over the void and exposed an opening of 2 x 1 metres.

He fell approximately 4.5metres through a void in the first floor and sustained serious injuries to his back as well as a broken foot. He was off work for twenty-two weeks and suffers continuing pain. He has reduced mobility, finding it difficult to walk or sit for long periods.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident which occurred on 16 May 2014 found that the company failed to take suitable and sufficient measures by not fixing the wooden panels placed on the void to prevent a fall.

Bowmer and Kirkland Limited, of High Edge Court, Church Street, Heage, Belper, Derbyshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulation 2005 and was fined £6,600.

For further information on work at height visit:http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/workingatheight.htm