A scaffolding company has been fined after a 12 year old boy slipped off a scaffold ladder.

Cardiff Magistrates' Court has fined Doncaster based firm after two boys were able to climb the rungs of a ladder within scaffolding, placing their feet either side of a ladder guard that did not cover the rungs of the ladder back in May 2017.

One boy climbed to the top of the platform of the scaffold and climbed the uppermost ladder to a height of approximately 10 metres. The ladder slipped, causing the boy to lose his balance and fall to the ground.

The boy suffered life changing injuries requiring multiple operations. The boy now has no bladder or bowel control and is only able to walk small distances due to being unstable on his feet.

An investigation by the HSE found the security arrangement for preventing access to the scaffolding, especially by children from a nearby school, were inadequate.

The firm pleaded guilty to breaching Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and has been fined £160,000 and ordered to pay £22,310 in costs.

Image Credit: HSE