North Ayrshire-based construction firm, McTaggart Construction Limited, has been fined £215,000 after a worker was thrown off a cherry picker in Glasgow when it was hit by a bus. The incident occurred on February 4, 2022, at a construction site on Ardencraig Road, where a 27-year-old roofer was in the basket of the cherry picker for cladding repairs. The roofer, who was not secured within the basket, was thrown from the machine onto a parked car and then onto the pavement when the bus collided with the cherry picker, causing it to lift onto its two rear wheels and hit a lamppost. The worker suffered severe injuries and permanent impairment as a result.
McTaggart Construction Limited pleaded guilty to breaching construction regulations and health and safety legislation at Glasgow Sheriff Court on October 10, 2024. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found that the company failed to ensure proper planning for work at height, provide personal protective equipment, and implement measures to segregate the cherry picker from traffic effectively. The court heard that the operator of the cherry picker remained in the basket during the incident.
Debbie Carroll, who leads health and safety investigations for the COPFS, highlighted the importance of fulfilling obligations to prevent serious incidents like this. Falls from height are a leading cause of death and injury in the construction industry. McTaggart Construction Limited has since taken corrective action to improve safety measures following the incident.
The court’s decision serves as a reminder to employers about the critical need for appropriate planning and protective measures to ensure the safety of workers in hazardous environments. The consequences of failing to meet these obligations can be severe and life-changing. Employers must be held accountable for their failures in upholding health and safety standards to prevent future incidents.
In conclusion, workplace safety is paramount, and employers have a duty to protect their workers from harm. Proper planning, equipment provision, and safety measures are essential to prevent accidents like the one that occurred in Glasgow. Companies must prioritise the well-being of their employees to create a safe working environment and avoid tragic incidents.