Parkgate firm fined £70,000 over worker's life-changing injuries

KDS Construction Company Ltd, of Parkgate, admitted failing to provide and maintain a safe system of work for working in and near excavations and failing to adequately control the associated risks of excavation collapse or falls.

District Judge for Sheffield, Ms Naomi Redhouse also ordered the Taylor’s Court company to pay costs of £4,016 at the hearing last Tuesday at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court.

Labourer Martin Schofield (49), of Thurnscoe, was working in a two-metre-deep excavation near Beeley Wood in Sheffield when he was struck on the head and pinned down by a large segment of concrete. He suffered multiple injuries, including fractures to his skull, ribs, left arm and vertebrae.

The construction company had been contracted to carry out groundworks for the installation of a new underground water drainage system.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Mr Schofield was asked to cover over some pipework when a section of unsupported concrete, which was overhanging the excavation, broke off and fell onto him.

He spent two-and-a-half weeks in hospital, has been unable to return to work since the September 2016 incident and is reliant upon his parents.

Speaking after the sentencing, Mr Schofield said: “I am pleased that KDS has admitted its guilt and I just hope now that other workers don’t have to suffer the pain and anguish I have had to because their employer failed to protect them.”

Mr Schofield added: “I cannot thank my family for the help and support they have given me over the last year or so while I tried to come to terms with what happened.  

“They continue to help me on a daily basis and without them I simply wouldn’t be able to manage.

“I realise I face challenges ahead, but the sentencing has given me renewed focus to concentrate on my rehabilitation and look to the future. I would love to be able to take my dogs out again for an afternoon.” 

Mr Schofield said life was very different for him now, adding: “I used to do so many outdoor hobbies.  

“I have grown vegetables, kept chickens and used to love walking for miles with the dogs. I used to ride bikes, but I can’t do this now either.”

Speaking after the hearing, KDS managing director Stephen Jeffs said the firm was “deeply saddened” by the incident.

Mr Jeffs added: “Martin was a valued member of the workforce and is deeply missed at work by everybody. 

“We all hope that he continues to make a speedy recovery.”

After the hearing, HSE inspector Alison Outhwaite said: “The employee’s injuries were life-changing and he could have easily been killed. This serious incident and devastation could have been avoided if basic safe guards had been put in place.

“This case highlights the need to be aware of the risks of working in and near excavations.”