A company in the entertainment industry has been fined £16,000 following the death of a worker.
A self-employed rigger was working at the company’s studios in Bedfordshire when he fell from height on 13 March 2018.
The 52-year-old was part of an assembly team for a project that required the building of a temporary rehearsal stage.
This stage was a water and wind proof cube for a musical that was due to be performed at the studios.
The individual was working on the roof of the cube when he fell through the structure and landed 10 metres below. He died from his injuries three days later.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that the company had failed to plan and implement a safe system of work. The company also failed to implement its own health and safety policy or ensure there was adequate supervision.
The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined £16,000 and ordered to pay £2,968.70 in costs at Luton Magistrates’ Court on 22 November 2023.
The HSE’s enforcement lawyer said: “This tragic incident should not have happened. It is vital the entertainment sector has safe systems of work so when it puts on a good show, the workers behind the scenes are protected at all times.”
Source: HSE