A company has been fined for safety failings after a temporary hoarding fell onto a pedestrian in Bedford.

Frazer Stannard Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and to breaching Regulation 19(2) Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. It was fined £100,000 with over £2,425 in costs.

Luton Magistrates Court heard how Mrs Margaret Gardiner, 68, was struck and trapped by a 10 metre temporary hoarding while walking along the pavement on Bedford high street on 7 July 2015.

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She sustained injuries to her hip as well as extensive bruising to the rest of her body, including her head.

The court heard the hoarding was being used to shield a construction site from the public, however it had been built inadequately. The workers had been given no details, design or instruction on how to build the hoarding and it was left entirely to the site team on how to build the structure. In addition, there was also no supervision and the hoarding had not been adequately supported, tied back or inspected.

HSE inspector Stephen Manley said the incident was "entirely preventable".

"Had Frazer Stannard Limited recognised the work they were doing as temporary works and managed matters properly they would have realised the hoarding was not fit for purpose, " he said.

"Construction companies must learn from this case and plan their work properly ensuring workers are given proper instructions and well as supervision."

(LM/CD)