Glass company fined £80k after worker’s fall

A worker at NSG Pilkington (UK) Ltd stepped from a load bearing roof to a fragile roof at Pilkington premises in St Helens and fell nearly three meters to the floor below.  He sustained life changing injuries including a fractured lower back and right heel plus injuries to his shoulder and elbow. The court heard he was unable to return to his job, forcing him to retire early.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the NSG Pilkington (UK) Ltd, did not provide a safe system of work for working at height or ensure its control measures were implemented.

NSG Pilkington (UK) Limited of European Technical Centre, Hall Lane, Lathom, Lancashire, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £80,000 and ordered to pay costs of £767.

HSE inspector Joseph Wright said, “This incident could so easily have been avoided if appropriate control measures and a safe system of work had been in place.

“Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work-related fatalities in this country and the risks associated with working at height are well known.

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