Worker Falls 4.5m When Temporary Platform Collapses

A Gateshead based construction company has been fined after a temporary floor collapsed and a
worker fell over 4 metres down a service riser shaft.

Newcastle upon Tyne Magistrates’ Court heard how Meldrum Construction Services Limited (MCS)
was the contractor for the refurbishment work at premises in Percy Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne.

MCS failed to plan accordingly to provide safe working area for employees completing the refurbishment
work. Temporary wooden floors were installed in the premises, but not to the correct specifications,
subsequently a worker stepped onto the temporary floor which collapsed and he fell 4.5 metres to the
floor below, sustaining two badly sprained ankles.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident which occurred in July of
2015 found that MCS failed to plan and manage the construction phase of the project in that they failed
to plan and manage the temporary works within the service riser putting risk to those working at height
on the premises.

MCS pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 13(1) of the Construction (Design and Management)
Regulations 2015, and was fined £120,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1969.

To reduce risk in refurbishment at height work, construction companies are advised to carry out a site
survey at the venue prior to any works fulfilled, identifying and understanding where potential hazards
fit into the hierarchy of control measures as set out in Health and Safety Directives such as the Work
at Height Regulations 2005 is integral to the safety of the site and its employees.