Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard how, on 15 January 2015, an employee of Walker Demo Limited died 10 days after he fell while dismantling a mezzanine deck at the Fort Kinnaird Retail Park south of Edinburgh. The employee, Peter Millar, gained access onto the mezzanine level to remove wooden boards and lost his balance. There were no measures in place to prevent him falling to the ground.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found that the demolition activity had not been adequately planned to prevent danger as there were no measures in place to prevent access onto the mezzanine floor and no measures in place to prevent a person falling from the mezzanine deck.

Walker Demo Limited of Somervell Street, Cambuslang, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £40,000

Speaking after the hearing, inspector Gerry Muir said: “The failure of Walker Demo Limited to properly plan the dismantling of the mezzanine deck led to an uncontrolled risk of a fall from height which was sadly realised when Mr Millar gained access to the deck and fell.

“Work at height is the single biggest cause of fatal and serious injuries in the construction industry. During demolition and dismantling, workers can be injured falling from edges, through openings, fragile surfaces and partially demolished floors. Duty holders have a responsibility to assess, eliminate and control the risks of falls from height.”