Firm fined after fatal scaffolding failure - A preventable tragedy

A.I.M. Access Solutions Ltd. has been fined £30,000 for serious safety failings that directly contributed to the tragic death of employee Robert Duffy.

In May 2021, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspections at a site on Rice Hay Road revealed critical deficiencies in the company's scaffolding construction. Workers were observed climbing the scaffolding framework, a blatant violation of established safety protocols, instead of utilising properly installed access ladders.

The HSE's investigation was expedited following the fatal incident involving 45-year-old Robert Duffy. He sustained severe injuries on the Rice Hay Road site and died in hospital on May 23, 2021, three days after the incident. Subsequent press reports, following a 2023 inquest, confirmed Mr. Duffy was found unresponsive at the base of scaffolding on the building where he was working.

A.I.M. Access Solutions Ltd. was found guilty of breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. At Wirral Magistrates' Court on February 27, 2025, the company was fined £30,000 and ordered to pay £5,040.75 in costs.

HSE Inspector Sam Eves emphasised, "A.I.M. Access Solutions Ltd. failed to ensure the safe construction of their tower scaffold. Critically, they neglected to provide a safe means of accessing the work platform, such as a proper internal ladder. Companies must rigorously adhere to HSE guidance to effectively plan, manage, and monitor construction work, thereby minimising risks to their employees."

The devastating impact of this loss was underscored by Mr Duffy’s wife, Jane, who described him as "a gentle giant with the biggest heart of gold" and a "hard-working family man."  She shared that he was a dedicated Liverpool FC fan who cherished dreams of attending matches and sharing drinks with his son. "I’m blessed to have so many precious memories with Robert, but we had so many to look forward to as a family. We have all been robbed of our Robert. As I’ve said from day one, no one should go to work and not come home," she stated.

The prosecution was led by HSE Senior Enforcement Lawyer Daniel Poole, with support from HSE Paralegal Officer Helen Hugo.

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