I was dismayed after reading your article about John Ferguson, a work experience student, who suffered brain damage and spinal injuries falling from unsecured scaffolding (16 February, page 15).

Although the seriousness of John’s injuries may not have been mentioned, a meagre fine of only a few thousand pounds will not be enough to compel contractor William Hargreaves to review, let alone improve, its health and safety procedures. Surely, human life is not this cheap in the 21st century?

Jaylina Rana, undergraduate structural engineering student

Topics