A demolition firm has been fined £4,000 after a worker suffered multiple injuries when he was struck by a concrete spandrel panel.
Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard how Vale Park Demolition Services was contracted to demolish a link bridge structure at Littleborough Primary School, Rochdale.
An employee of GT Scaffolding North West was struck by a concrete panel weighing approximately 500kg when he was removing scaffolding that was placed in front of the final part of the link bridge that was due to be demolished.
He suffered from a broken right shoulder, five broken ribs, three fractures to the spine, a punctured lung and a broken left foot in the accident, which happened on 29 October 2015.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the work was not suitably planned and the stability of the panel was not appropriately considered when removing the scaffolding.
Vale Park Demolition Services Limited of Hazelbottom Road, Crumpsall, Manchester pleaded guilty to a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
In addition to a £4,000 fine, the firm was also ordered to pay costs of £4,397.64.
HSE inspector David Norton said “The incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices.
“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards”.
