HSE issues scaffolding alert to contractors following collapse

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has today (Tuesday) issued a safety alert to contractors following the major collapse of scaffolding in central Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, which claimed the life of one worker and seriously injured two others.

The HSE, which is currently leading the investigation into the incident during the construction of a new £29m Jury's Inn hotel, said the aim of the alert was to stress to contractors working on similar projects the importance of their arrangements to provide and maintain stable scaffolds.

The site still remains closed while the HSE takes witness statements and embarks on a detailed examination of the incident scene. The main contractor for the project is Irish firm McAleer & Rushe.

HSE recommendations for contractors to take into account include:

• Scaffolding design implementation.
• Arrangements for securing scaffolding to structures.
• Intended and actual loadings on scaffolds, including the impact of wind.
• The risk of direct impact by construction plant or vehicles.
• The frequency and thoroughness of scaffold inspection arrangements.
• Systems in place for the handover of new or adapted scaffolds.
• The training and competence of scaffold erectors.
• The adequacy of the scaffold foundations.
• The prevention of unauthorised modifications.