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Firms Fined After Devastating Construction Site Accident
17 Jun
Summary
- Man severely injured after concrete platform collapse.
- Two construction firms fined for safety regulation breaches.
- Worker suffers life-changing neck and spine fractures.
A catastrophic incident at a City of London construction site has resulted in significant fines for two building firms after a worker sustained life-changing injuries. On February 23, 2024, Steve Zschoch was working on a refurbishment project when a temporary platform, designed to collect debris, collapsed on him.
Zschoch described being "folded up like a concertina" and suffered severe fractures to his neck and spine, along with a brain bleed. This has profoundly impacted his daily life, leaving him unable to work and affecting his confidence and mobility.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found the incident was entirely avoidable. They identified a lack of platform design, inadequate loading calculations, and poor oversight. Roots Contractors Limited was fined £19,333, and Diacutt Limited was fined £13,000, with both firms also ordered to pay costs.
Although workers received verbal warnings about overloading platforms, there was no specific guidance on safe loading levels. The HSE noted poor planning, inconsistent safety documentation, and a lack of supervision for the drilling team prior to and on the day of the accident.
