Two separate construction companies have been sentenced by the Health and Safety Executive after a man was struck by a 124kg panel and spent almost two weeks in hospital.
The worker suffered injuries to his collarbone, shoulder blade, left ankle and left rib.
The accident occurred on 22 January 2020 when the man was working as a lift supervisor at a construction site in Jesmond, Newcastle. While lifting a structured insulated panel (SIP) with a tower crane, the SIP hit steelwork and fell on top of the man.
After an investigation from the HSE, it was established the principle contractor, Tolent Construction Limited, had failed to plan, manage and monitor the construction phase adequately. This resulted in no consideration for proximity hazards while lifting individual SIPs.
Tolent Construction Limited of Grey Street, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to contravening the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations SI 2015/51, was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £8,468.50 in costs.
Clad Build UK Limited were also found at fault by the HSE, as they had designed, supplied and installed the SIPs. The company were found to have failed to:
Clad Build UK Limited of Foxbridge Way, Normanton Industrial Estate, Normanton, West Yorkshire, also pleaded guilty to contravening the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations SI 2015/51, was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay £45,000 in costs.
Both companies were fined on 17 April 2023 at Newcastle Crown Court.
HSE inspector, Stuart Whitesmith, commented on the case:
"HSE will not hesitate to take enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards. This case should raise awareness of the dangers of failing to properly plan and safely carry out this type of lifting operation. SIPs are increasingly used in the construction industry and all contractors should be aware of the need to suitably plan, manage and monitor their safe installation."
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