A scaffolder has been prosecuted for carrying out unsafe work at height in Manchester.

Terrance Murray, 28, of Largs Road, Blackburn, was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison, suspended for one year, after pleading guilty to breaching Section 7(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. In addition, he was given 100 hours of community service with £500 in costs and a victim surcharge of £115.

Greater Manchester Magistrates' Court heard how a concerned member of the public witnessed Mr Murray erecting scaffolding in an unsafe manner on Quay Street on 30 June last year.

He was photographed standing on top of the structure with no edge protection and no harness attached to any part of the scaffold or building. A fall from height onto the concrete car park deck below was estimated at between 13 and 18 metres.

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A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found Mr Murray's employers had taken reasonable steps to avoid working unsafely at height. He was also well trained and experienced, and had the correct equipment available to him in order to work safely.

However, against his better interest and training, HSE said he acted alone to work without edge protection and safety measures in place. Mr Murray was also accompanied by a trainee scaffolder at the time, which HSE said was setting an unsafe example.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Seve Gomez-Aspron said: "Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work related fatalities in this country and should be taken seriously.

"This case highlights the importance of following industry guidance in order to erect scaffolding in a safe manner, which does not cause risk to members of the public and workers using the scaffold. It also serves to remind employees that they have a duty to look after themselves."

(LM/MH)