England | Company fined for unsafe scaffolding

March 21, 2025

HSE | A.I.M Access Solutions Ltd has been fined £30,000 for failing to assemble safe scaffolding following an investigation by the HSE.

The HSE investigation was prompted after the regulator was notified of the death of A.I.M Access Solutions Ltd employee Robert Duffy. The 45-year-old passed away in hospital on 23 May 2021, three days after sustaining serious injuries while working at the site on Rice Hey Road.

The prosecution of A.I.M Access Solutions Ltd, of Manorside Gores Road, Knowsley Industrial Park, Kirkby, was not brought on the grounds that the incident was causative of Mr Duffy’s death.

The firm pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. It was fined £30,800 and ordered to pay £5,040.75 in costs.

HSE inspector Sam Eves said: “A.I.M Access Solutions Ltd did not ensure the tower scaffold was constructed correctly. The company failed to provide a safe way to get to and from the work platform, for example using an appropriately designed internal ladder.

“Companies should follow HSE guidance to ensure they effectively plan, manage and monitor similar construction work and reduce the risks to their employees.”

This prosecution was brought by HSE senior enforcement lawyer Daniel Poole and supported by HSE paralegal officer Helen Hugo.

— Accurate at time of publication | March 2025

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