Builder fined £175,000 after worker’s brain trauma

A London-based subcontractor has been fined £175,000 after a worker’s serious head injuries saw him hospitalised for seven months.

The accident took place in March 2019 during concrete-pumping work at a domestic property in north London carried out by Singh Will Mix It.

A concrete-pump operator, who was not qualified to operate the machine, was cleaning the pump’s hose after it had been used for a ground-floor extension. The pump became blocked, leading to a sudden release of pressure that caused the hose to whip and strike the worker in the head.

The worker, who was 35 at the time, spent seven months in hospital. He suffered a brain trauma and continues to have difficulties with his speech, memory and movement.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the firm failed to make sure workers had the necessary skills, knowledge, experience and training for their work, and did not have appropriate health and safety systems in place.

Singh Will Mix It Ltd, based in Walthamstow, was found guilty of breaching health and safety laws following a trial at Southwark Crown Court. It was fined £175,000 and ordered to pay £75,722 in costs.

HSE inspector Gordon Nixon said: “HSE will not hesitate in prosecuting where contractors and operatives do not have the appropriate skills, knowledge, experience and training when carrying out dangerous tasks and putting people at risk.”