A scaffolding firm has been prosecuted after a worker fell more than 20ft to the ground.

St. Albans Scaffolding Limited of Wellington House, London Colney, St. Albans pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4 (1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. It was fined £5,500 with £442 in costs.

In addition, it's director Simon Christopher Bruce of Wellington House, London Colney, St. Albans also pleaded guilty to breaching Section 37 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. He was fined £915 with £443 in costs.

Luton Magistrates’ Court heard how a 20-year-old employee was working with colleagues to erect a scaffold at a house on Cunningham Avenue, St Albans on 24 February 2016.


However, he lost all points of contact whilst climbing a 25ft (7.6m) ladder carrying a 16ft (4.8m) scaffold pole weighing about 20kg. He fell around 20ft (5.7m) to the ground. His injuries included multiple fractures to his right leg and ankle, which required surgery.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found both the company and director failed to ensure the scaffolding labourer was trained to the required competence to install scaffolding components.

It also found the worker had not been adequately supervised and was working alone on the Temporary Roof Scaffold. Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) has been the industry recognised scaffold training scheme for more than 40 years. The director knew the workers had not been trained but allowed work to continue unsupervised in his absence.

HSE inspector Rauf Ahmed said: "The employee in this case is extremely lucky to have not suffered more severe and life threatening injuries.

"The director knew the workers had not received the appropriate training in order to carry out the safe installation of the scaffolding and he put him at risk of harm by allowing unsupervised work to continue.

"Duty holders must ensure all employees are trained to the required industry standard before carrying out any scaffolding work."

(LM/MH)