Hull worker should have used fall arrest equipment

A business owner in Hull has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after a member of staff fell four metres from a water storage tank, shattering his left leg on impact.

The 58-year-old decorator, who should have used fall arrest equipment, will no longer be able to work in his profession following the incident last November.

Working for Mawe Staff & Co Ltd, he was asked by managing director Colin Mawe to paint seven storage tanks in Ellerker, East Yorkshire. He fell while painting the crown of one, having lost his balance on the curved surface.

He suffered multiple fractures to his left leg and broke his right heel, requiring two operations to pin and re-build the bones. He was confined to a wheelchair for several weeks and can now only get around on crutches.

The HSE has prosecuted Mr Mawe for not having any safety equipment on the sides of the tanks to prevent a fall. He pleaded guilty to breaching Section 37(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and fined £2,500, along with costs of £1,800.

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