Brighton Council Fined £66k Over Worker’s Death in School Bike Shed
Brighton and Hove City Council has been slammed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after failing to properly plan or supervise the cleaning of a bike shed at Blatchington Mill School. The careless approach led to a tragic death.
Council Pleads Guilty in Work at Height Breach
The council admitted breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. At Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 28 February 2023, they were hit with a £66,666 fine and ordered to pay £5,000 in costs.
HSE Inspector Slams Lax Safety Measures
“Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work-related fatalities in this country and the risks associated with working at height are well-known,” said HSE inspector Natalie Pomfret. “This tragic incident led to a man’s avoidable death. It could have been prevented if his employer had properly planned, supervised, and ensured a safe method of work.”
Preventable Death Sparks Safety Warning
The case highlights the deadly consequences of neglecting safety protocols, especially when working at height. Employers must take extra care to plan and manage such tasks to avoid needless tragedies.
