A subcontractor has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after a worker suffered brain trauma in a concrete pumping accident in north London.
The accident involved a man in his thirties who sustained head injuries while working on concrete pumping operations in a domestic property in Crouch End on 3 March 2019.
The works were being carried out by London-based company Singh Will Mix It Ltd.
The worker was cleaning the pump’s hose after it had been used to pump concrete for a ground floor extension at the property.
As the pump operator was doing this, the pump became blocked, leading to a sudden release of pressure and causing the hose to whip and strike the worker in the head.
The pump operator was not qualified to operate the machine.
The worker spent seven months in hospital following the incident. He suffered brain trauma and continues to have difficulties with his speech, memory and movement.
An investigation by the HSE found that Singh Will Mix It Ltd failed to ensure workers had the necessary skills, knowledge, experience and training to carry out the work safely.
Singh Will Mix It Ltd was found guilty of breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 following a trial at Southwark Crown Court.
The company was fined £175,000 and ordered to pay £75,722 in costs on 15 March.
HSE inspector Gordon Nixon said: “HSE will not hesitate in prosecuting where contractors and operatives do not have the appropriate skills, knowledge, experience and training when carrying out dangerous tasks and putting people at risk.”
