CONSULT CPK · CONSTRUCTION SAFETY
HSENI prosecution highlights the importance of controlling falling objects and maintaining effective exclusion zones
A Co Antrim scaffolding company has been fined £20,000 after an employee sustained fatal injuries during scaffolding dismantling work.
HSENI report published:
On 18 December 2024, an employee was collecting scaffolding components from a construction site on the Lisburn Road in Belfast.
While the crew was dismantling scaffolding, a metal board approximately 2.4 metres long came loose from the upper part of the structure. It fell around 8 metres and struck the employee on the head. He was taken to hospital and died on 5 February 2025.
What did the HSENI investigation find?
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) found that the company had not adequately controlled the exclusion zone during dismantling. People who were not directly involved in the work could still approach the scaffolding.
The employee, who was there as a collection driver, was struck at the edge of the exclusion zone next to the pavement.
The company pleaded guilty to an offence under Article 4(1) of the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 and was fined £20,000.
Key safety lessons
Measures highlighted by HSENI
- Lower scaffolding components to the ground using a controlled method.
- Communicate clear work instructions to everyone involved.
- Clearly identify exclusion zones wherever materials could fall.
- Control access to prevent unauthorised entry.
Consult CPK’s practical reminders
- Keep drivers and visitors away from areas where dismantling or overhead work is taking place.
- Check that the controls recorded in the risk assessment or RAMS are being used on site.
Consult CPK safety reminder
Plan the exclusion zone, clearly establish its boundaries and actively control access. Cones, tape or signs alone may be insufficient where falling objects could cause serious or fatal injuries.
Before dismantling starts, contractors should review the risk assessment and method statement, confirm how components will be lowered and check that workers, delivery drivers, visitors and members of the public cannot enter the danger area.
If site conditions or work activities change, reassess the arrangements before work continues.
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