KENT-based companies Cummins Power Generation Limited and Hirst Electrical Plant Hire Services (UK) Limited were fined a total of £7,000 for breaches of health and safety legislation, at Thanet Magistrates' Court.

The prosecutions followed a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation into an incident in which a Hirst Electrical Plant Hire Services employee, Mr Brian Jones, suffered a broken vertebra when he fell approximately 2.8 metres onto a concrete floor.

The incident occurred on September 26, 2003 at Cummins Power Generation Limited's site at Manston, Ramsgate.

David Fussell, HM Inspector of Safety and Health, said: "Mr Jones was descending a ladder when the bottom slid away from the wall causing Mr Jones to fall onto the concrete floor.

"The level of fine demonstrates that the Courts intended to send a strong message to employers that they face severe penalties if they fail to adequately control the risks to their employees.

"HSE takes a very serious view of accidents that occur each year to persons working at height and last year over 40 employees were killed in accidents involving falls from height.

“This accident could have been avoided by taking well known and simple precautions to ensure that ladders are secured and that edge protection is provided."

Cummins Power Generation was fined £5000 after pleading guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSW Act) and ordered to pay costs of £1581.08. Hirst Electrical Plant Hire Services were fined £2000 after pleading guilty to breaching Section 3 of the HSW Act and ordered to pay costs of £600.