27/08/2010 - Building firms fined over fall
Two building firms have been fined a total of £125,000 after an employee was left with serious injuries having fallen 21 metres off a hospital in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Laing O'Rourke Construction Ltd and Expanded Stutctures Ltd, both based in Kent, admitted breaching health and safety laws at Newcastle Crown Court over the incident involving 37-year-old Steven McColgan.
McColgan, from Edinburgh, was working on the Royal Victoria Infirmary in October 2006 when the working platform he was on gave way, causing him to plunge to the ground.
He suffered serious multiple injuries to his head and body which have proved life-changing.
Both construction firms were prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following the incident.
The HSE investigation revealed that sections of the falsework, acting as a temporary structure supporting the working platform, were removed before work on the concrete slab was complete.
Both companies, which are based at Bridge Place, Anchor Boulevard, Admiral's Place, Crossways in Kent, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
Laing O'Rourke Construction Ltd was fined £50,000 and ordered to pay costs of £13,756 and Expanded Structures Ltd was fined £75,000 and ordered to pay costs of £14,154.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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