Construction Company Fined Following Builder’s Paralysis from Fall

A construction worker expressed concern about being unable to accompany his daughters down the aisle, having been left paralyzed following a fall through a ceiling. Andrew Clifford, residing in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, laments the loss of everyday activities he once enjoyed, such as gardening, washing his car, and performing household tasks. He states that he is now unable to wash or dress himself, a consequence of his fall two years prior while engaged in work on a property for Paul Freeman Ltd, a company located in Mansfield. On Monday, Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court imposed a £40,000 fine on the company for a health and safety violation connected to the incident. Mr Clifford, a father of three, commented: “I haven’t been upstairs in my house since the accident – my wife and three daughters all sleep upstairs, and I sleep alone downstairs.” He further added: “Another thing that really upsets me is the thought of not being able to walk my daughters down the aisle when they get married.” The 51-year-old individual was working autonomously on October 31, 2022, installing first-floor joists during the construction of a residence on Main Road, Dronfield, Derbyshire, when he experienced a slip and fall. He remained prone on the floor for approximately six hours until a delivery driver discovered him, and he deduced the duration of his injury by listening to hourly news bulletins on his radio. Mr Clifford stated: “The first thing I recall after my fall was landing on my head.” He continued: “From that point it was a very strange feeling, as from when I landed, I felt no pain, and I couldn’t understand why or that I couldn’t get up.” “I think I fell between 09:00 and 09:30 and wasn’t found until 15:00,” he added. He also remarked: “I can’t do anything I used to love doing before. I can’t even wash or dress myself now.” He was hospitalized for almost five months due to severe spinal cord injuries, which resulted in paralysis from the chest downwards and restricted movement in his hands and arms. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that its inquiry determined the company had not adequately planned work at height nor implemented fall prevention measures during the construction of the first floor. Furthermore, Mr Clifford had not received appropriate instructions on how to perform the work, compelling him to determine the methodology independently. Paul Freeman Ltd, with its base at Acorn Business Park, Commercial Gate in Mansfield, admitted guilt to violating Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court. The firm was additionally mandated to cover a victim surcharge and associated costs.