Construction firm fined £1 for worker's death

Two companies have been fined after a construction worker fell to his death on a site near Accrington. One of the companies was fined £1 over the accident.

Howorth Scaffolding Services Ltd and Glenmill Group (Developments) Ltd were prosecuted after Peter Walton fell five metres from scaffolding on Altham Industrial Estate in 2006.

The 55-year-old from Anchorsholme, near Blackpool, had been working on a project to build three new office blocks when he fell.

Preston Crown Court heard that Mr Walton was critically injured when an unsecured board on the scaffolding gave way. He died five weeks later in hospital.

His widow, Christine Walton, said: “Sadly Peter’s death is just one of many needless deaths that occur in the construction industry due to slack adherence to health and safety regulations.

Howorth Scaffolding Services Ltd and Glenmill Group (Developments) Ltd  both pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 by putting workers at risk.

Howorth Scaffolding, of Accrington Road in Hapton, was fined £25,000 was ordered to pay £13,793 toward the cost of the prosecution. Glenmill Group, of Turner Road, Lomeshaye Business Village in Nelson, was ordered to pay a nominal fine of £1 with costs of £13,793 toward costs.

The judge said the fines reflect the companies’ current financial situations.

HSE Inspector Ian Connor said: “Both these companies contributed to Peter Walton’s death by failing to follow the proper safety procedures for putting up scaffolding.

“Howorth Scaffolding should have made sure that it constructed the scaffolding properly. And, as the principal contractor for the site, Glenmill Group should have ensured it was safe before allowing construction workers onto it.

“This is an extremely sad case which once again shows how important it is to follow health and safety regulations. It’s vital that construction companies do more to prevent deaths and injuries in the future.”