This is true and for interest. A telecom contractor working inside a unit under fit out needs to get to the other side of the party wall so he goes next door and asks permission to enter and carry out some work. There are two of them. The PC in control of the next door unit does an induction on both men and gets them to sign and off they go. The job requires access to a height, (don't know how high) so it is WAH. One of them has been trained for ladder work and the other trained to foot a ladder. The man trained to foot the ladder is on his own for a short while and extends and pitches the ladder, then ascends to commence the work. He falls off the ladder and fractures his arm, or his leg not fully aware of the details yet. No risk assessment produced, no method statement provided. The PC is usually very good at safety frequently scoring high when inspected. You just don't know what's around the corner.

Not bad luck, bad judgement. I would question the working off a ladder,what was he doing?

I think there was a PC lapse, I'm sure if it were one of their own 'site' guys then permits/RAMs would have been expected, but because the workers were from 'next doors site' it sounds like there wasnt too much done. But until the full investigation is carried out, its all 'if, but and maybe'. Hopefully the IP will make a quick recovery. No PC has a good track record for safety, they are not perfect even if their figures say they are.

The IP has contacted the site manager to apologise for the accident, he will possibly be disciplined as well.

It is if they haven't had any or sufficient training.

When I get the full report I'll let you all know more, its still a bit sketchy at present. This is a major telecommunications company that the IP works for. Right now I think he was using the ladder for access, it was not tied or footed and it slipped. The IP has 8 fractures of his arm. I will be asked to review the reports and make recommendations. I can only do that when I Know it all. It is a good one though isn't it :-)

The IP was alone at the time he fell from the ladder. He had taken a ladder from his van, a personal ladder not a company authorised ladder. He positioned the ladder, ascended then fell off, fracturing his arm in 8 places. There was a MEWP available for him if he wanted to use it, with the offer of an operator. (The MEWP was used the day before to look at the work area). The IP has apologised to the PC for causing the accident and all the "fall out" he has accepted it was his fault. His employer has taken part in the investigation and agreed the ladder should not have been used. HSE were informed right away and within 2 hours they contacted the PC to say they can continue work and no HSE attendance will be made. Police turned up following the call for Ambulance but they left almost immediately they arrived.