HSE Prosecute Scaffolder

A Rotherham Scaffolder has been sentenced to three months at one of her majesty's institutions following a case being brought against him by the HSE, according to reports.

Philip Wolstenholme failed to train his staff before they worked on erecting and dismantling scaffold. As a direct consequence, during the dismantling of scaffold at 6m, an employee fell and suffered back and foot injuries.

HSE Inspector Robert Cooper said: “Philip Wolstenholme wilfully disregarded advice given to him by HSE and the requirements of a prohibition notice served on him. In doing so he put the safety of his workers at great risk.

“The injuries suffered by the employee were very serious and could very easily have been fatal. This sad case highlights the need for employers to train people working for them, particularly in high risk work. The HSE will not tolerate employers who endanger the lives of their employees in this way.”

Injuries to staff on site are not uncommon, but so few end up in a prosecution, why is that?