Demonstrating just how important it is to have safe and stable ladders in the workplace, a firm was this week fined nearly £13,000 after one of their employees fell off an unsuitable ladder.
National Tyres and Autocare in Nottingham were found guilty of failing to make sure that work at height was carried out safely, and also of failing to provide a safe system of work.
A hearing at Nottingham Magistrates revealed that an employee was stacking tyres onto a rack using an unsteady ladder, and had to grab on to the rack to keep his balance. This resulted in the beam breaking loose, which led to the employee falling off the ladder.
In addition to a fine of £12,800, they were also ordered to pay £3,300 costs, plus a £15 victim surcharge.
Nottingham City Council’s Councillor Katrina Bull commented:
“The health and wellbeing of workers in Nottingham is really important. This case is a good example of why businesses should follow safety advice to prevent their staff or the public getting injured.”
“Falling from height is the number one cause of fatal injuries to workers, accounting for 58 of the 229 work-related deaths in 2007/8. Falls from height also cause major injuries, accounting for 3,235 (12per cent) of the 27,976 reported in 2007/8. Ladders were the most commonly cited cause of major injuries for both high and low falls, followed by scaffold for high falls, and vehicles for low falls.”
This shows just how important it is for companies who regularly use ladders to ensure that the equipment is sturdy and fit for purpose, or they could find themselves in very hot water.
