18/08/2010 - Serious work fall sees firm fined
A worker was left blind in one eye following a fall at work which has resulted in his employer being fined £8,000, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) confirmed.
The HSE said that Gwyndaf Davies fell three metres onto a concrete floor while he was re-roofing a farm building at Penwerddu Farm, Boncath in April 2009.
Mr Davies, then 21, suffered a brain injury and spinal and facial fractures which resulted in him being treated in hospital for nine months.
During his treatment he needed facial reconstructive surgery and eye surgery. He was left partially sighted in one eye and blind in the other.
Delme L James Ltd, of Pencaer Bryn Ewan, Cynwyl Elfed in Carmarthenshire, admitted breaching safety regulations regarding working at height at Haverfordwest Magistrates' Court.
Mr Davies, from Carmarthen, west Wales, has limited speech, cannot walk without aid and receives intensive physiotherapy and speech therapy.
He is likely to require significant care for the rest of his life, the executive said.
He had worked for the company since leaving school.
An investigation by the HSE found the company did not plan, supervise or carry out the work safely.
There was only limited protection to prevent workers falling from the roof and no measures to prevent them falling into the building.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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