News Article

Council fined following ladder fall


Posted by Carl Gryniewicz | Date Posted 05.10.2007 | Time Posted 05:05:46 | Views: 508
A Shropshire council has been fined £12,000 after an accident in which an employee fell off a ladder and shattered his heels.

Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council's chief executive was criticised for his "shameful" handling of the matter.

Bill Smith fell while removing lights from trees on 16 August, 2006.
The council admitted at Shrewsbury Magistrates' Court to four charges of breaching health and safety rules. It was also ordered to pay £2,699 costs.

Lindsay Hope, for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), said the ladders had been unsuitable for the job and that the workers had been without a supervisor for 11 months.

The HSE said there was a "catalogue of management failings" stemming from the council's chief executive Robin Hooper.

Mr Hope said he found it shameful Mr Hooper had tried to blame the ill-equipped workers for the accident and not accepted responsibility.

A council spokesman said new systems and training had been put into place and that the authority needed to learn from the experience to ensure employee safety was a priority.

Published in sections: Health and Safety ::

Does this article apply to you or your workplace? Email or call to learn more, we’re happy to help.