{"id":502722,"date":"2024-07-22T12:27:26","date_gmt":"2024-07-22T11:27:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.constructionnews.co.uk\/?p=502722"},"modified":"2024-07-22T12:43:55","modified_gmt":"2024-07-22T11:43:55","slug":"worker-fractured-skull-in-fall-at-hs2-site","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.constructionnews.co.uk\/health-and-safety\/worker-fractured-skull-in-fall-at-hs2-site-22-07-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Worker fractured skull in fall at HS2 site"},"content":{"rendered":"

An engineering firm has been fined after a worker suffered a fractured skull and multiple other injuries while working at an HS2 site in Hertfordshire.<\/span><\/p>\n

The mechanical engineer, employed by EMC Elite Engineering Services, was repairing a conveyor at the site on Chalfont Lane, West Hyde, when he fell 11 metres.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stair treads had been removed in the conveyor\u2019s stairway to ensure it could be supported by a crane during the work, resulting in a gap in the stairway.<\/span><\/p>\n

The man fell through and landed on the concrete floor below, sustaining a fractured pelvis, skull, hip, jaw and two broken wrists, according to a statement from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). (See below for video.)<\/span><\/p>\n

The then 57-year-old spent two months in hospital following the incident, which took place in November 2022, and needed surgery to have six plates inserted into his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the HSE, the individual said the incident had lasting consequences, and that his wife was now having to act as his carer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy own behaviours have changed. I am quicker to anger and get easily frustrated. I get very impatient too. My focus has been affected and I struggle to keep up with a task or maintain a conversation,\u201d quotes attributed to him in the inspectorate\u2019s statement said.<\/span><\/p>\n

HSE investigators found the company failed to ensure the work was properly planned, appropriately supervised and carried out in a manner that was as safe as reasonably practicable.<\/span><\/p>\n

EMC Elite Engineering Services Ltd, of Paycocke Road, Basildon, Essex, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was fined \u00a352,500 and ordered to pay \u00a36,871.12 in costs at St Albans Magistrates\u2019 Court, according to the statement.<\/span><\/p>\n

After the hearing, HSE inspector Martin Paren said: \u201cThis incident led to an employee suffering multiple injuries that will affect him for the rest of his life.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf his employer had properly planned, instructed and supervised the work, then this incident could have easily been prevented.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n