Company and director fined after employee struck by 100kg beam
Tuesday 18th August 2026
The employee was dismantling an internal steel frame when she was struck by a steel beam weighing over 100kg.
A ratchet strap was used to lower the steel beam to assist with the dismantling of the steel beam temporary structure. The strap used was not designed for the task and failed resulting in the beam falling directly onto the employee.
The company’s director made the decision to use the wrong strap and was on site at the time of the incident. The director also instructed employees where to stand, continuing with the work even when the injured employee raised concerns.
The employee sustained multiple back fractures, a punctured lung and a broken leg. As a result of her injuries, the employee underwent an 11-hour operation and spent the three following months recovering in hospital.
The HSE found that the company failed to provide for the safe planning and carrying out of the dismantling of the internal steel frame.
The company pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 16(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, by virtue of Regulation 20(1), and was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay £6,949 in costs.
The director pleaded guilty to breaching Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, by virtue of Regulation 16(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and Regulation 20(1). The director received a community order requiring him to carry out 75 hours of unpaid work.
For the latest safety and compliance updates, visit our hub here.