Poole Magistrates' Court heard how on 10th April 2017, 49 year-old Paul Norris, was working for Solar Scaffold Services Limited to erect the scaffolding. Solar Scaffold Services Limited were contracted to erect an access tower and guard rails around the roof of industrial units in Christchurch during April 2017.
After completing work on the access tower, Mr Norris went to assist colleagues with the guard rails, gaining access to these via the roof. He fell through a skylight approximately five metres to the floor below and suffered numerous serious fractures to his pelvis, wrists, ribs, elbow and arm. Mr Norris remained in hospital for three weeks undergoing a number of operations and still requires ongoing physiotherapy. As a result, he has now been registered disabled, has had to move to an adapted flat and cannot return to work. His wife has been forced to give up work in order to care for him.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Solar Scaffold Services Limited, as an employer, failed in their duty to ensure the work at height was properly planned, supervised and carried out safely. Insufficient measures were taken to prevent a fall through the fragile roof whilst the building was being worked on.
All information published by the HSE.
