HSE highlights dangers of lifting after 600kg glass panel falls on worker in Kensington

Two construction firms have suffered fines totalling £38,000 after a 600kg glass panel fell on a worker in Kensington, breaking his pelvis.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has renewed warnings to employers to ensure safe systems of work are in place during lifting and removal activities, following the prosecution of Brookfield Construction UK Ltd and its subcontractor Scheldebouw UK Ltd.

Lorry driver John Rooney was injured in March 2006 at a Multiplex Construction UK site in Manresa Road, Kensington and Chelsea. The 600kg panel of glass fell on him while he was standing on the back of another company's lorry.

Scheldebouw UK, from the Isle of Dogs, was fined £20,000 with costs of £10,000 after pleading guilty to breaching section 3(1) of the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act. London firm Brookfield Construction was also fined £18,000 with costs of £9,962 after pleading guilty to the same breach.

Lisa Chappell, HSE inspector, said: “This incident once again highlights the need for contractors to ensure that all aspects of lifting and removal operations are fully planned and measures to work safely are clearly communicated to all workers.”

She added: “Had these steps been taken, the injuries to Mr Rooney could have been avoided.”

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