£18,000 fine for Bouygues after worker falls and sustains injury

After a carpenter fell and was seriously injured at a worksite, Bouygues (UK) was fined £18,000 by a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation.

The carpenter was working at the construction site of a new school in Walthom Forest and fell five metres while trying to secure concrete shutters. The carpenter suffered a fractured collar-bone and ribs, blood and air in his chest cavity and a dislocated thumb. He was in hospital for a period of six days and could not attend work for more than six months.

While attempting to tighten the concrete shutters, he had to lean beyond the protected area of the guardrails and in doing so fell to the platform, more than five metres below. The investigation carried out by the Health and Service Executive found no appropriate anchor points in the area where the carpenter was working.

After pleading guilty to Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Bouygues (UK) Limited were fined £18,000 and costs of £2,796 for the October 2007 accident. The company was also ordered by the court to pay the carpenter £5,000 as compensation.

This case clearly demonstrates the need of following adequate safety measures and making sure employees work safely and wear appropriate safety gear during work. Safety clothing and other safety accessories play an important role in protecting the lives of employees and avoiding possible litigations against the company.