On January 15, 2024, Canterbury City Scaffolding Ltd was found guilty of breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, resulting in a £50,000 fine. The case involved a serious incident where a scaffolder suffered life-changing injuries due to an electric shock. This article delves into the details of the case, the parties involved, and the consequences of the breach.
Case Overview
- Company: Canterbury City Scaffolding Ltd
- Date of Incident: November 29, 2021
- Date of Sentencing: January 15, 2024
- Location: Snow Hill, Crawley, West Sussex
- Fine: £50,000
- Legislation Breached: Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 / Section 2 (1)
Incident Details
On November 29, 2021, Steven Gilmore, a 36-year-old scaffolder, was working for Canterbury City Scaffolding Ltd at an open-air drinks depot in Snow Hill, Crawley. The company had been contracted by Drinks Warehouse UK Ltd to erect a temporary roof scaffold to provide shelter for operations during the winter months.
While lifting a six-metre scaffold tube, Mr. Gilmore struck a live 11kV power line running across the site. The impact caused him to fall over five meters to the ground, resulting in a badly broken leg and life-changing electrical burns to both hands. Mr. Gilmore will never regain full use of his hands.
Investigation Findings
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) conducted an investigation into the incident and found several critical failures:
- Risk Assessment: Canterbury City Scaffolding Ltd and its director, Ian Pepper, failed to properly risk assess the high-risk temporary roof scaffold assembly job near a high voltage line.
- Consultation: Despite being aware of the proximity of the 11kV line, no attempt was made to consult UK Power Networks about line voltage and safe clearance distances.
- Safety Precautions: The director allowed the use of six-metre-long metal scaffold tubes at near vertical angles within striking distance of the high voltage line without any precautions to prevent injury.
Legal Proceedings
At Brighton Magistrates’ Court on September 22, 2023, Canterbury City Scaffolding Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Ian Pepper, 48, of Hoath near Canterbury, also pleaded guilty to an offence under Section 37 (1) of the same Act.
Sentencing
On January 15, 2024, the court sentenced Canterbury City Scaffolding Ltd to a £50,000 fine. Ian Pepper received an 18-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to undertake 200 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
Conclusion
This case highlights the severe consequences of failing to adhere to health and safety regulations. The life-changing injuries suffered by Steven Gilmore could have been prevented with proper risk assessment and safety precautions. The substantial fine and suspended prison sentence serve as a stark reminder to all companies of the importance of prioritizing health and safety in the workplace.
