Contractor fined after floor collapse leaves bricklayer in hospital
Summary
A construction company has been fined after a floor collapse at a house in Oldham left a bricklayer seriously injured and in hospital for a month. The Health and Safety Executive found multiple site safety failings, including poor planning and management, unsafe scaffolding, inadequate work-at-height arrangements and a lack of fire alarms.
Why it matters
Surveyors involved in residential projects should note the enforcement action and the emphasis on proper structural loading, site management and compliance with manufacturer’s design. The case highlights risks that can arise on domestic refurbishments and conversions where temporary works, storage loads and contractor oversight are critical.
Key points
- Floor collapse occurred on a house project in Oldham after concrete blocks were stored on the upper floor.
- The injured bricklayer suffered fractures and required surgery and a month in hospital.
- HSE found failures in planning, supervision and monitoring, plus unsafe scaffolding and work-at-height arrangements.
- The contractor pleaded guilty to breaching CDM 2015 Regulation 13(1) and was fined £30,000.
- Multiple enforcement notices were issued following the investigation.
This is an RPSA summary of a publicly available article. The full content remains with the original publisher.
