Construction company fined after subcontractor fell three metres onto a concrete floor and suffered multiple injuries

A CONSTRUCTION company has been slapped with a fine after a subcontractor fell three metres onto a concrete floor in 2013.

Barski Developments Limited, a London-based company, was taken to court by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after an incident involving 55-year-old sub-contractor Stanislaw Jakubus in autumn 2013 when the firm was contracted to refurbish a number of industrial units at Slough Business Park, in Farnham Road.

Mr Jakubus suffered multiple injuries including cracked ribs in the fall and was off work for two months.

Barski Developments Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Work at Height Regulations and was sentenced at Reading Magistrates Court on Friday last week – the firm was fined £20,000 with costs of £880, and £120 victim surcharge.

HSE Inspector Dominic Goacher said: “Mr Jakubus’ painful injuries could easily have been avoided had the roof refurbishment been better planned and managed.

“As principal contractor, the onus was on Barski Developments to ensure that happened, but they failed to identify and address the risks associated with the fragile sky lights. Falls through fragile roofs account for almost a quarter of all work at height deaths, so it is absolutely vital that any such work is fully considered and that the correct equipment and working methods are used at all times.” Barski Developments Limited refused to comment.