Firms fined over worker's 21m fall
26/08/2010
A fall which left a construction worker with life-changing injuries has led to two firms being fined a total of £125,000.
Steven McColgan, 37, from Edinburgh suffered serious head and body injuries which continue to affect his life after he plunged 21 metres from a hospital building he was working on in October 2006.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) took action against Laing O'Rourke Construction Ltd and Expanded Structures Ltd after McColgan fell to the ground after the unsupported working platform he was on at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle-upon-Tyne gave way.
The HSE investigation revealed that sections of the falsework, acting as a temporary structure supporting the working platform, were removed before work on the concrete slab was complete.
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 at Newcastle Crown Court.
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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