A YouTube video (now removed by the original user, but shown below) of Paul Cavanagh attempts to demonstrate the effectiveness of a safety harness. The clip shows the unfortunate Mr Cavanagh explaining to colleagues how the harness will stop them reaching the ground in the event of a fall. He dons a hard hat and steps sideways off the ladder, dangling briefly before attempting to regain his footing. At this point the ladder and Mr Cavanagh collapse sideways over a garden fence. His colleagues, who appear to have been recording the events, rush to his assistance and find him unhurt.
Morrison, which looks after the repairs and maintenance of 500,000 UK homes, has suspended Mr Cavanagh pending the outcome of an investigation into the incident.
A spokesperson said: ‘Having reviewed the video ourselves it appears that a number of fundamental errors were made by this individual, which resulted in the accident taking place. ‘These errors suggest that a number of our standard health and safety protocols were not followed and as a consequence we had no option but to instigate a suspension pending a full internal investigation. ‘It would be improper for us to speculate any further on the outcome of this investigation until it has been concluded.’
The man’s safety instruction broke rules in the safety book. Crucially he had forgotten to secure the ladder, which proved his undoing and brought him down to the ground with a bump.
Gateshead Housing Company, which owns the home where the incident took place, said: ‘We have asked our contractors, Morrison plc for an explanation of the circumstances that led to an amateur video of staff training being posted on a social media site. ‘We would like to reassure all customers that our contractors will continue to carry out thousands of repairs a week for us in a safe and timely manner.’
