{"id":119528,"date":"2022-12-16T16:13:29","date_gmt":"2022-12-16T16:13:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/?p=119528"},"modified":"2022-12-16T16:18:42","modified_gmt":"2022-12-16T16:18:42","slug":"fine-issued-hse-after-blind-man-fell-into-open-manhole","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/health-safety-news\/fine-issued-hse-after-blind-man-fell-into-open-manhole\/119528\/","title":{"rendered":"Fine issued by HSE after blind man fell into open manhole"},"content":{"rendered":"

A family-run plumbing business in Aberdeenshire has been fined \u00a34,000 after a blind man fell into an open manhole<\/h2>\n

A blind man fell into an open manhole at the sheltered housing development Hanover Court, which had been left open by A & R Services while clearing a blockage on February 19, 2020.<\/p>\n

As a result of the fall, the 62-year-old registered-blind resident of the sheltered housing development in Banchory, Aberdeenshire, suffered injuries to his left leg.<\/p>\n

HSE found that no protective measures were taken around the open manhole<\/h3>\n

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident found that A & R Services failed to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risk<\/a> posed by the open manhole.<\/p>\n

The company had failed to put in place barriers, signage or other protective measures to prevent anyone from accessing the pathway leading to the open manhole.<\/p>\n

In addition, other than leaning the manhole cover against a door, no signage, barriers, guarding or other protective measures were put in place to prevent pedestrians from falling into the manhole while using the door.<\/p>\n

The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 section 3<\/a> places general duties on employers and the self-employed to conduct their undertakings in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons other than themselves or their employees are not exposed to risks to their health or safety.<\/p>\n

The incident could have been easily avoided by following the law<\/h3>\n

A & R Services, of Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined \u00a34,000 at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on December 14, 2022.<\/p>\n

HSE principal inspector Niall Miller said: \u201cThis incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cCompanies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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