Worker left paralysed after platform plummet

A building owner has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after an employee was left paralysed when a platform he was working from plummeted to the ground.

Whilst an employee was working on the platform, it fell to the ground floor without any warning, causing serious spinal and head injuries to a worker that resulted in paralysis of the lower half of the body.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the platform had not been adequately inspected and maintained and was not suitable to support people when in the raised position.

Further investigation revealed a similar accident had occurred a year earlier on 25 January 2016 when one of the building’s tenants stepped onto the platform when it jolted and without warning dropped in an uncontrolled manner to the ground floor. The tenant suffered a broken heel bone.

HSE inspector Andy McGrory said: ”This incident could so easily have been avoided. Nicholas Devine failed to ensure the health and safety of his employees in relation to the risks arising whilst work was being undertaken at his premises.

For more information on this story and others visit the HSE website.