Tommy Brooks, a construction worker from Woolwich, experienced severe, life-altering injuries when a segment of a Victorian building collapsed on him during soft stripping and demolition work. Employed by MAC Demolition Ltd for three months leading up to the incident, Mr. Brooks was clearing bricks when a substantial piece of masonry fell, resulting in a broken shoulder, 12 broken ribs, and spinal and internal injuries.
This incident underscores the paramount importance of rigorous health and safety practices in the workplace. The absence of such measures places lives in jeopardy. An investigation conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that MAC Demolition had neglected to adequately assess the risk of falling objects during demolition and had failed to establish and enforce proper exclusion zones. HSE Inspector Gordon Nixon stated, “This serious incident and the devastation it caused could have been avoided if basic, industry standard control measures had been put in place.”
Subsequently, during a hearing at Willesden Magistrates’ Court, MAC Demolition pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 20 of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. The company incurred a fine of £60,000 and was ordered to pay £3,229 in costs, serving as a stark reminder of the legal consequences associated with lapses in safety.
The incident surrounding Mr Brooks underscores the critical nature of maintaining unwavering commitment to health and safety. It is not merely a legal obligation but a moral imperative to safeguard the well-being and security of every individual within the workplace. At Base Solutions, we provide a range of online courses and in-person training to assist companies in staying up to date with their health and safety requirements. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact our team, who will be happy to help.