Infobite 267: Demolition Worker Dies after Fatal Crushing
A worker has died after being fatally crushed while demolishing a wall. The worker was tasked with demolishing a rear yard wall dividing the property from the neighbouring house when he became trapped between an outer kitchen wall and a collapsed section of the yard wall. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the demolition work was not planned nor accounted for in the construction phase plan. No risk assessment or method statement was provided and the worker was not trained to carry out safe demolitions. There was also a lack of supervision.
The Company pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) of The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and the Director also pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13(1) of The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, by virtue of 37(1) of the Act. at Court on the 15th of December 2022.
The HSE Inspector said: “HSE will not hesitate to consider the roles of not only organisations when investigating serious incidents, but also those individuals such as directors and managers who are the controlling minds and best placed to direct work and ensure that it is carried out without risks to health and safety.”
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