07.11.2003

HSE launches investigation into scaffold collapse

The UK’s Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has launched an investigation following the collapse of a large section of scaffolding in Birmingham city centre, which hospitalised two pedestrians.

The incident happened at around 11.30 am on Monday 3 November, when a large section of scaffolding approximately 40 metres in length, erected and owned by Kelmark Scaffolding and beign used at the time main contractor M & J Flat Roofing, collapsed on the junction of Ethel Street and New Street in Birmingham city centre. The collapsed scaffold trapped two women who were passing by underneath, one of which sustained more severe injuries. The two women were later taken to hospital.

Two HSE inspectors arrived at the scene on Monday afternoon and the HSE has launched a continuing investigation.

*Just two days before the incident, a unnamed 40 year-old builder died in hospital after falling nearly 10 metres from a mobile elevating work platform on a construction site at British Sugar in Telford. The unnamed worker fell from the access platform while carrying out cladding work at the site seven days earlier.