Health and safety failings led to man suffering serious injuries

A contractor from London was last month handed a six month suspended prison sentence after an employee suffered a fall 12 months ago.

Southwark Crown Court heard that James Gibson was undertaking a refurbishment project, on 11 November last year, when a worker fell through an unprotected hole in the ground floor – landing in the basement below and suffering serious head injuries.

The hole in question measured approximately 1.5 metres by three metres.

The subsequent investigation by officials from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) identified failures in health and safety management.

James Gibson, of Brent Street, London, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 6 (3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

Aside from the sentence, suspended for 18 months, he was ordered to pay costs totalling £8,442.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Matt Raine said: “Falls from height remain one of the biggest causes of workplace fatalities and major injuries.

“Had the employer in this case, James Gibson, implemented adequate control measures to protect the health and safety of his workers, this incident could have been prevented.”

It is important to seek expert legal advice if you believe you have the grounds to pursue a personal injury claim.  For guidance please contact our head of Dispute Resolution Stephen Silverman or visit our website.

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