Construction firms fined over fallTwo construction firms face fines totalling £125,000 after a worker fell more than 20 metres while working on a new hospital building in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) brought action against Laing O'Rourke Construction Limited and Expanded Structures Limited over the 2006 incident at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI).
Newcastle Crown Court heard Steven McColgan, from Edinburgh, plunged 21 metres when a part of an unsupported working platform broke away when he stood on it. The 37-year-old suffered serious multiple injuries to his head and body in the fall and his injuries continue to be life-changing.
A HSE investigation revealed that sections of the falsework, acting as a temporary structure supporting the working platform, had been mistakenly removed.
Both companies, which are based at Bridge Place, Anchor Boulevard, Admiral's Place, Crossways in Kent, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
Laing O'Rourke Construction Ltd was fined £50,000 and ordered to pay costs of £13,756 and Expanded Structures Ltd was fined £75,000 and ordered to pay costs of £14,154.
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