Category: Health and Safety for Contractors

Safety issues for contractors using umbrella companies were highlighted today when one firm was fined after it erected dangerous scaffolding that then collapsed because of high winds.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted William Bedford, trading as B & J Scaffolding, following the incident, which happen in a Middlesborough street back in 2008.

Around 85 metres of the scaffold overturned in the wind and collapsed into the street and HSE Inspector Natalie Wright said the incident highlights how important it is for contractors to follow safety requirements when constructing scaffolding.

"The scaffold had been used as a working platform for at least five days before the incident, by workers on site carrying out work to the house fronts. It could have collapsed at any time, creating a significant risk to workers and members of the public," she stated.

Richard Jones, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health policy and technical director, recently said that David Cameron's government needs to do more to support the Health and Safety Executive as it looks to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities in the workplace.