Scissor lift fall paralyses man, subcontractor fined £120,000

A Hartlepool man who wishes to remain nameless is now paralysed from the waist down due to the failure of a subcontractor to ensure safety on site.

Skanska Rashleigh Weatherfoil Ltd. had been awarded a contract to design and install mechanical and electrical systems on a site located at Manor Royal Industrial Park in Crawley. However, cable trays that had been installed were not properly designed or installed correctly.

The injured man was working from a scissor lift installing cables into the cable boxes. But due to the inadequacies the box collapsed knocking the man from the lift. He fell 8 metres and suffered major injuries to his spine leaving him wheelchair bound.

The HSE investigated and prosecuted Skanska and they have this week been awarded a £120,000 fine.

This should act as a reminder to everyone that it doesn't matter how much site safety is planned, when using subcontractors there is more risk involved, especially if you are relying on them to carry out their own health and safety checks and procedures.

Source: HSE