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Local self-employed contractor Stephen Martin fell from the roofline of a domestic two-storey property on St Aiden Road, in Bridlington, on 17 April 2009 when the scaffold beneath him swung open like a trapdoor.
He fractured three ribs and small bones at the base of his back and also sustained head injuries in the fall. He was then airlifted to Hull Royal Infirmary for emergency treatment.
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During the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecution, magistrates heard the scaffolding was erected two days earlier by Bridlington-based Advanced Scaffolding (GB) Ltd. The installation was signed off by the company but HSE found it was not of suitable strength or rigidity for its intended purpose.
Bridlington Magistrates Court was told the scaffolding was compromised by a bay window at the front of the property, which required a cantilever projection to be added. HSE said this projection was poorly planned, and was not properly braced or supported.
Advanced Scaffolding Ltd of North Street, was found guilty of a breach of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. In addition to the £3,500 fine, the company was also ordered to pay £3,000 in costs.
(CD/KMcA)
