Company pleads guilty after Romford man’s scaffolding death

A company has admitted a health and safety failing in connection with the death of a “beloved” Romford man killed by falling scaffolding.

Jack Phillips died after he was struck by the scaffolding that had fallen from a crane at South Cliff Tower in Eastbourne, East Sussex on August 8, 2019.

The 24-year-old was described by his family as the “most loving son” who lived for football and loved a laugh.

At Brighton Magistrates Court yesterday (July 24), Brand Energy and Infrastructure Services UK Ltd (trading as Lyndon SGB at the time of the incident) pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety Act by failing to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all its employees.

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The crane operator at the time of the incident denied the charge of failing to take reasonable care for his own health and safety, as well as the health and safety of others who may be affected by his acts or omissions at work.

They will appear at Lewes Crown Court on August 21.

The court heard there was not an adequate risk assessment in place for a manoeuvre which involved delivering sections of masts that were being lifted to a great height.

The court was told one of the nylon straps around the masts had failed.

It was also said in court that the straps were supposed to be examined every six months.

However, it was said, the strap was last checked nine months prior to the incident.

Brand Energy and Infrastructure Services UK Ltd will be sentenced at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on October 30.

Paying tribute to Jack following his death in 2019 his family said: “Our beloved son Jack was tragically taken from us in a work accident.

“He lived for his football and loved having a laugh and joke with all his friends and was always smiling. Jack would always be there to help and was the kindest most loving son.”