Investigation underway after scaffolding collapse

An investigation has been launched after scaffolding succumbed to 60mph winds during Storm Henk. The scaffold tower collapsed onto a busy high street on Tuesday the 2nd January 2024.

Sutton Council where the collapse happened took quick action to ensure the high street was made safe whilst the police, Sutton council and the scaffolding company investigated the incident to determine the root cause of the collapse. The scaffolding was then cleared to ensure businesses were able to continue trading.

The incident was reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) who will carry out a thorough investigate in order to prevent similar accidents in the future. The investigation will delve into various aspects, including the scaffolding company’s adherence to safety regulations, the maintenance and security of the scaffolding structure over the Christmas period, and the impact of the extreme weather conditions brought by Storm Henk.

Unsurprisingly, members of the public have voiced their concerns and pointed fingers at the scaffolding company, speculating that inadequate safety measures and poor workmanship played a role in the collapse.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous safety measures in construction projects and the need for proper maintenance, particularly in adverse weather conditions.

It is the scaffold company / hirers responsibility to ensure that all scaffolding has been inspected as follows:

• Following the scaffoldings installation / before first use
• At an interval of no more than every seven days thereafter
• Following any circumstances liable to jeopardise the safety of the installation e.g. high winds
• All scaffolding inspection must be carried out by a competent person whose combination of knowledge, training and experience is appropriate for the type and complexity of the scaffold. Competence may have been assessed under the CISRS or an individual may have received training in inspecting a specific type of system scaffold from a manufacturer/supplier.

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