Surrey firm fined following scaffolding collapse

A company based in Surrey has been fined after scaffolding erected by the firm collapsed at a wedding, leading to injury claims.

The incident happened at a wedding at West Woodhay House, Newbury, in September 2010, where Block Scaffolding Limited had erected a false floor for guests.

However, during the reception the scaffolding, which had been built to even out the slope of the venue's lawn, collapsed and fell more than four feet, causing the bride and groom and their 150 guests to fall to the ground, with scaffold poles also falling into the marquee and narrowly missing guests.

Block Scaffolding Limited of Myrtle Drive, Blackwater, Camberley, Surrey, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 at West Berkshire Magistrates Court and was fined GBP 8,000 and ordered to pay costs of GBP 7,370.

Commenting on the incident, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector Joanne Woodcock said the scene after the incident was "shocking" and said the collapse must have been "terrifying" for all involved.

"The fact no one was seriously injured is solely down to good fortune. This prosecution should serve as a warning that HSE will take action against anyone failing to build safe scaffolding," she added.

Posted by Wayne Weir 

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