A serious workplace incident has been reported involving a 57-year-old mechanical engineer at an HS2 construction site.
- The worker suffered extensive injuries, including fractures to the skull, hip, jaw, and pelvis, along with broken wrists, after falling 11 metres.
- The Health and Safety Executive’s investigation revealed that the accident occurred due to the removal of stair treads, which left a gap.
- The engineering firm, EMC Elite Engineering Services, admitted to health and safety breaches and was fined £52,500.
- The incident highlights critical lapses in safety protocols and their severe impact on employees.
An unfortunate incident occurred at a High Speed 2 (HS2) construction site in Hertfordshire, where a 57-year-old mechanical engineer endured severe injuries following a fall. The worker suffered fractures to his skull, hip, jaw, and pelvis, as well as two broken wrists after plummeting 11 metres while engaged in conveyor repair work. This tragic fall underscores the perils sometimes faced in high-risk construction environments.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) conducted an investigation into the incident and discovered that the removal of stair treads during the conveyor’s repair was a significant contributing factor to the accident. The treads were reportedly removed to facilitate crane support, which inadvertently created an unsafe gap. This oversight has raised serious questions about how the construction work was managed and supervised.
Upon completion of their investigation, the HSE found that EMC Elite Engineering Services had failed in their obligations. Specifically, they had not ensured that the work was planned, supervised, and carried out in compliance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005. The company subsequently pleaded guilty to these breaches and faced legal repercussions, including a fine of £52,500 and additional court costs amounting to £6,871.12.
In a personal statement, the injured worker expressed the profound impact the accident has had on his life. His surgeries were extensive, involving the insertion of six plates in his face, and the physical and psychological effects have been significant and lasting. The incident has not only altered his daily functioning but also strained familial relationships, as he now requires assistance from his wife, who has taken on the role of his carer. These personal insights provide a sombre reminder of the human cost associated with occupational mishaps.
HSE inspector Martin Paren emphasised the preventable nature of the incident, asserting that with appropriate planning and supervision, such accidents could be avoided. His comments reflect a broader call to action for companies to reassess and enhance their safety protocols to prevent future occurrences.
This case serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity for rigorous safety standards across all construction sites to avoid tragic outcomes.
