EDF Energy Contracting fined after worked killed in fall

EDF Energy Contracting has been fined ВЈ160,000 after a worker died from fatal head injuries after falling from scaffolding at a school in Worthing.

James Gordon, 63, was dismantling a mobile tower scaffold at a sports hall in Worthing High School in August 2007 when he fell.

The top working platform had been removed and Mr Gordon, of Leigh Park, Havant in Hampshire, was on an intermediate platform, according to the Brighton and Hove Argus.

An HSE investigation found that there were no handrails to save him and he fell more than five meters.

EDF Energy Contracting Ltd pleaded guilty at Chichester Crown Court today to breaching regulations 4b and 4c of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

The company was also ordered to pay costs of ВЈ24,594.98.

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HSE Inspector Russell Beckett said: “It is important that all tower scaffolds are erected and dismantled correctly and that guard rails are fitted so as to prevent falls. All too often tower scaffolds are used incorrectly without the correct handrails.

“All working platforms must be provided with suitable edge protection.

“Guard rails should be at least 950mm high and an intermediate guard rail should be provided so that workers can’t fall through any unprotected gaps.”

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