A Birmingham-based construction company specializing in steeple restoration has faced significant penalties following the tragic death of a 64-year-old worker.
David Clover tragically fell to his death while working on the steeple of St. Nicholas’ Church in Kings Norton in November 2020, as reported by the BBC.
Investigation and Findings
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed serious safety breaches surrounding the equipment used during Clover’s task.
Specifically, the bosun’s chair, meant to suspend him securely, lacked a crucial secondary safety feature to prevent falls.
Ecclesiastical Steeplejacks Ltd, the firm managing the restoration project, admitted its responsibility for not adhering to Work at Height Regulations.
Court Proceedings
In a court hearing on January 15 at Birmingham Magistrates Court, the company was fined £60,000.
The court learned that Mr. Clover was working atop the church’s towering 60-meter (197-foot) structure.
Despite fully recognizing the risks associated with such high-elevation work, the firm failed to provide adequate protective measures, like a double or twin-leg lanyard fall arrest harness, which might have saved Clover’s life.
Since this heartbreaking incident, Ecclesiastical Steeplejacks Ltd has halted its operations.
Call for Improved Safety Measures
The HSE highlighted the urgent need for improved workplace safety, specifically in fall prevention measures.
Their findings indicated that fall-related accidents were responsible for 50 fatalities in the 2023-24 period alone, underscoring the ongoing issue of falls as a leading cause of serious workplace injuries and deaths.
Source: Premierchristian.news
