Water treatment firm hit with fine after worker fall

The employee, who had been working on top of a water treatment vessel, was knocked unconscious and sustained bruising to the brain after slipping from a ladder that was inadequately positioned, Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard on Wednesday (25 July).

After pleading guilty of being in breach of Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulation 2005 and Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the company was fined £30,000 and ordered to pay costs of £9,000.

If a suitable safe system of work had been in place prior to the incident, these serious injuries could have been avoided

HSE inspector Emma Madeley

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Icon Process Systems should have properly prepared for the work. According to the regulator, proper planning would have identified the dangers of falls, and allowed the company to provide suitable work equipment, including platforms with guard-rails and suitable access. 

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Emma Madeley said: “Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work-related fatalities in this country and the risks associated with working at height are well known.

“Those in control of work have a responsibility to devise safe methods of working, provide proper equipment, and provide the necessary information, instruction and training to their workers in the safe system of working. If a suitable safe system of work had been in place prior to the incident, these serious injuries could have been avoided.”