A Westcliff grammar school has been hit with a hefty fine worth thousands of pounds after a worker was injured during a fall from a ladder.

Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court heard how, on February 19 2019, the worker had been using an unsecured ladder at Southend High School for Boys to dismantle a canopy roof.

However, the ladder slipped, causing the worker to fall and sustain fractures to his face, a fractured femur along with other injuries.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the school did not have a risk assessment or safe system for dismantling the canopy roof in place, which resulted in the work being carried out unsafely. 

No assessment into the fragility of the roof was made, suitable equipment was not provided, the injured person was not trained and the work was not supervised.

While the investigation also found that other work at height at the school was also carried out without specific planning, supervision and was not carried out safely.

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The Southend High School for Boys Academy Trust, of Prittlewell Chase, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

The school was fined £24,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,446.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Eleanor Kinman, said: “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.

“Those in control of work have a responsibility to devise safe methods of working and to provide the necessary information, instruction and training to their workers in the safe system of working.

“If a suitable safe system of work had been in place prior to the incident, the serious injuries sustained by the employee could have been prevented.”

Southend High School for Boys have been contacted for comment.