Scaffolding contractor fined after three men fall six metres

A scaffolding firm has received a £3,300 fine after three workers were seriously injured in a 6m fall onto a busy road.

Pedley Scaffolding of Willenhall was also told to pay costs of £5,318 by the Stafford Magistrate’s Court after pleading guilty to health and safety offences.

Two 24-year-olds and a 25-year-old suffered broken bones when the scaffolding they were erecting in Station Street, Cheslyn Hay, Staffordshire collapsed on 22 June 2007.

One man broke his hip, ankle and knee and fractured both knees; another fractured his skull and the third broke his elbow in the 6m fall.

Health and Safety Executive inspector Tariq Khan said: “Pedley failed to provide a safe system of work and adequate training and supervision associated with the erection of scaffolding.

“All employers have a responsibility to ensure that safe working practices are in place, because failure to do so could well cost lives, as well as enforcement action from the HSE.

“These three men suffered serious injuries, which kept them from work – but it could have been much worse.”