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PHW · Working at height · 2026-07-10

Add Prop Limited fined £20,000 after a scaffold tower blew over and struck passers-by

Putney High Street · Westminster Magistrates' Court

What happened

A mobile tower scaffold on a busy high street was assembled incorrectly and then covered with sheeting, which acted as a sail in windy conditions and caused the structure to overturn. Two members of the public were struck and trapped by the falling scaffold.

Injuries: Two members of the public suffered serious injuries

The breach

Regulation 19(2)(a) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (company); Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (director)

The sentence

  • Fine: £20,000
  • Costs: £7,000
HSE inspector

“The public have a right to expect scaffolding they pass by is safe and has been properly installed.”

What would have prevented it

Mobile tower scaffolds must be assembled correctly and the wind-loading effect of any sheeting must be assessed before it is fitted.

How PHW helps

The machines, packs and quizzes that fit this kind of site.

Sector

Training and H&S evidence for construction sites

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Safety pack

Working at height

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Quiz

Could you show a site manager today, in writing, that each operator is authorised to use your machines?

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Source: HSE press release, Company and director fined after public seriously injured by falling scaffold tower on busy high street