UK Company Fined £200k for failing to Safeguard the Health & Safety of Workers

23 Jan 2023

UK Company Fined £200k for failing to Safeguard the Health & Safety of Workers

At OHSS, we regularly bring you blogs like this one that focuses on the ongoing battle to protect people from the dangers of asbestos. However, as you'll find out from reading on, planning and supervision when dealing with the deadly material are crucial. 

Our story today comes from Scotland, and it centres around an asbestos surveyor - Robin Williamson - who fell through a roof light, injuring himself so badly that he was left in a wheelchair. This led to the property management company being fined £200k.

UK Community Centre, April 2018
Employed by City Property (Glasgow) LLP, Mr Williamson was asked to conduct an asbestos survey on the roof of Netherton Community Centre in Glasgow in April 2018. While carrying out his work, he fell eight feet, suffering multiple fractures and bleeding to the brain. 

After an investigation by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), it was concluded that City Property Glasgow LLP did not carry out the necessary planning, organisation or supervision for the work - leading to a failure to identify potential risks and precautions. 


Speaking on the matter, HSE principal inspector Cameron Adam said…

"Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work-related fatalities and significant injuries in this country and the risks associated with working at height are well known. Mr Williamson's accident would have been prevented had the risks been properly assessed and the appropriate control measures implemented.’

Safeguarding the Health & Safety of Workers
This news story highlights the dangers that are present in the workplace, not just from asbestos from falls and other notable hazards. As such, the OHSS team is ready and waiting to help you meet all of your obligations as an employer in terms of occupational health and keep your workforce safe. 


To find out more about our approach or anything else, visit us today at www.ohss.ie. Alternatively, to speak to a member of our team, call 01 6905907 today.


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