Builder fined after client breaks spine in fall

A builder who left a staircase in a dangerous state has been fined at Sheffield Magistrates Court after his client fell and broke his spine.

The court heard that Michael Hall was lucky to be alive after the fall which took place at his house in Sheffield where a new staircase had been installed. However the work was not completed and it had been left without a handrail and Mr Hall fell 10ft, breaking his spine and suffering broken ribs and massive head injuries. He spent time in intensive care and has subsequently had to learn to walk and talk again, though he has made a 90% recovery.

The builder, Robin Atherton, who traded as Mack Construction, reported the incident to the HSE whose inspectors brought the prosecution. Atherton pleaded guilty to a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and was fined £5,000 and ordered to pay £4,000 costs.

HSE inspector Medani Close said that Mr Hall was lucky to be alive although his injuries have had a terrible effect on him, his family and his business. She added: “This tragic fall could so easily have been avoided. The simplest of measures – a temporary handrail fitted to the open side of the new staircase in his home – could have prevented his fall and saved a huge amount of suffering.”