Height Safety: Worker Fell Head First From Formwork

A construction firm has been fined after a worker fell 2.5m head first and sustained serious injuries. The hearing at Taunton Magistrates Court revealed that the employee was working at height on a construction site, when the formwork panels he was installing “gave way” and he fell head first over a ledge.

An investigation conducted by the Health and Safety Executive found that there had been a lack of planning for the height work, and the construction firm were using an unsafe method of installing the formwork.

The company was fined £13,000 and ordered to pay cost of £3,742.18 after pleading guilty to failing to comply with the Work at height regulations 2005.

Working at Height

Working at height is dangerous work. The law requires anybody who is planning to work at height, be it employers or the self-employed organise a plan so that the work is carried out in a safe manner.

If you can avoid working at height, do! It is important not to put yourself, or others in a working situation that they could injure themselves unless it’s unavoidable or absolutely necessary. Conduct the appropriate risk assessments, and make sure all your staff are fully trained, and briefed on the safety precautions. 

If you find yourself having to work at height, make sure you are protecting yourself from potential injury at all costs. Over 60% of fatalities during working at height are a result of falls, either from ladders, scaffolding, platforms, roof edges, and fragile roofs make sure you are using Fall Arrest Block, safety harnesses, Lanyards, safety lines and roof anchors as required. If you do not have access to this equipment do not undergo the work.

Before undergoing any height work make sure that all the equipment that you will be using has been inspected thoroughly for any damage. If you do come across any damage do not use, and postpone any work at height until the equipment has been replaced.