Lack of control on site leads to death
Jan 1, 2010
The recent prosecution in December 2008 of Taylor Woodrow Construction Ltd highlights the hazardous nature of construction site work and the need to maintain strict on site controls.
A sub-contractor was killed after being thrown from his ladder when a wall collapsed during the construction of the main public building at the National Assembly in Cardiff in March 2004.
Taylor Woodrow Construction Ltd had recognised the risks involved with the site work and a method statement was in place. However a ladder was being used for the work despite a method statement to the contrary.
The HSE Inspector stated that "the company failed to ensure the method statement was followed and, in doing so, failed to manage the activities of others". Taylor Woodrow Construction Ltd were fined £200,000 and ordered to pay £71,400 costs.
This tragic case emphasises the need to ensure that good site health & safety management is in place and best practice is followed. Risk assessments and method statements should be site specific and site workers should be trained in them. They should not be seen as merely “paperwork” that sits in a file in the site office. Managers and supervisors should monitor site activties and ensure that the agreed method statements are actually followed. As in the Taylor Woodrow case, reasonable site supervision should include the activities of sub- contractors as well as employees.
Although the accident occurred in March 2004 construction is still one of the most hazardous occupations in Great Britain. In 2007/8 alone there were 72 fatalities.
