A Glasgow based demolition contractor has appeared in Edinburgh Sheriff Court where it pleaded guilty to health and safety breaches following the death of a worker.
The man died ten days after he fell while dismantling a mezzanine deck at the Fort Kinnaird Retail Park south of Edinburgh. He had gained access onto the mezzanine level to remove wooden boards but lost his balance and there were no measures in place to prevent him falling to the ground.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the demolition activity had not been adequately planned to prevent danger, as there were no measures in place to prevent access onto the mezzanine floor and no measures in place to prevent a person falling from the mezzanine deck.
The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £40,000
“The failure of Walker Demo Limited to properly plan the dismantling of the mezzanine deck led to an uncontrolled risk of a fall from height which was sadly realised when Mr Millar gained access to the deck and fell,” commented
HSE Inspector Gerry Muir, speaking after the hearing.
“Work at height is the single biggest cause of fatal and serious injuries in the construction industry,” he added. “During demolition and dismantling, workers can be injured falling from edges, through openings, fragile surfaces and partially demolished floors. Duty holders have a responsibility to assess, eliminate and control the risks of falls from height.”
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