Workers saved from scaffold collapse by tea break

Ask most workers and they'll say tea breaks are an important part of the day. They offer refreshment coupled with a few minutes to relax and regain the ability to concentrate on the task at hand.

For workers on a demolition site in Stoke-on-Trent, a tea break saved their lives.

The HSE has prosecuted two companies (Jacko's Scaffolding Limited and Potteries Demolition Company Ltd.) after scaffolding collapsed on the demolition site for 15 terraced houses and a pub in Wellington Road. The scaffolding collapsed in high winds, and was found to be insufficient for the job.

No passers-by were hurt when the scaffolding fell, and it was only due to a tea break that no on-site workers were around or using the scaffolding when it collapsed.

The problem stems from the fact the scaffolding was not updated from a basic roof tile removal model to a bespoke solution when the demolition work changed phases. The combination of the building the scaffolding was tied to being demolished, coupled with high winds, ultimately led to its collapse.

Regular inspection of the site and scaffold would have prevented the incident. C&D offer an audit services on-site to avoid incidents such as this. If you'd like to know more, get in touch.

Source: Construction Enquirer