A demolition company has been prosecuted for safety failings after a worker was struck by a concrete panel during work to demolish a bridge structure in Rochdale.

Vale Park Demolition Services Limited of Hazelbottom Road, Crumpsall, Manchester has been fined £4,000 with over £4,397 in costs after pleading guilty to breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Manchester Magistrates' Court heard how the company was contracted to demolish a link bridge structure at Littleborough Primary School.

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On 29 October 2015, an employee of GT Scaffolding North West Limited was removing scaffolding that was placed in front of the final part of the link bridge that was due to be demolished.

However, during this work he was struck by a concrete panel weighing approximately 500kg and suffered from a broken right shoulder, five broken ribs, three fractures to the spine, a punctured lung and a broken left foot.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found the work was not suitably planned and the stability of the panel was not appropriately considered when removing the scaffolding.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector David Norton said: "The incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices.

"Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards."

(LM/MH)