Norwich Employer Fined £7,500 After Worker Breaks His Spine

A Norwich employer has been fined £7,500 after one of his workers broke his spine in a fall at the former RAF Watton site in Norfolk.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Tim Philpott, trading as Philpott Demolition and Recycling, of Spinney Close, Long Stratton, Norwich, for his role in the incident on 20 April 2007.

Mr Philpott pleaded guilty at Norwich Magistrates' Court to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 between 21 March 2007 and 9 May 2007.


The court heard that Gediminas Vasiliauskas was removing old roof tiles and timber from a former aircraft hangar at the site when the incident happened.

Mr Vasiliauskas broke his spine in the incident and had to have a metal disk inserted into his back. He was unable to work for a year following the incident and during that time he also lost his sense of taste and smell.

Following the hearing, HSE Inspector Nicola Surrey said: "Mr Vasiliauskas was lucky to survive this incident, which could have been avoided if his employer had taken precautions to ensure his employee's safety.

"Working at height is one of the most dangerous things employees can do. This case highlights the need for companies to do everything possible to minimise the risks employees face when working at height.

"HSE provides plenty of advice and guidance for employers on how to keep their workers safe while working at height."

(CD/GK)