HSE Will Not Investigate Scaffolding Collapse in Hove

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has confirmed it will not carry out an investigation following the collapse of scaffolding onto a road in Hove last month. Emergency services were called to First Avenue shortly after 1.30pm on Thursday, December 18, after a large section of scaffolding attached to a residential building fell into the […]

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has confirmed it will not carry out an investigation following the collapse of scaffolding onto a road in Hove last month.

Emergency services were called to First Avenue shortly after 1.30pm on Thursday, December 18, after a large section of scaffolding attached to a residential building fell into the street. The collapse left at least one parked vehicle badly damaged and caused temporary disruption to traffic in the area.

Crews from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service attended alongside Sussex Police, cordoning off the area to make it safe. Firefighters worked to stabilise the remaining structure and remove debris from the road.

Despite the dramatic nature of the incident, no injuries were reported, and no pedestrians or workers were believed to have been beneath the scaffold at the time it fell.

The Health and Safety Executive has confirmed it will not be taking the matter forward for investigation. The regulator said it had assessed the circumstances and decided that no further action would be taken.

At the time of the collapse, a weather warning for strong winds and heavy rain was in place along parts of the south coast, with gusty conditions reported throughout the afternoon.

esidents and business owners in the area described hearing a loud crash as the scaffolding came down. Several said it was fortunate the incident happened during a quieter period, as the road can be busy with both vehicles and pedestrians.

The road was temporarily closed while the structure was made safe and debris cleared. Contractors later attended the site to assess the remaining scaffolding and carry out remedial work.

While the HSE will not investigate, responsibility for any repairs and damage remains a civil matter between those affected and the parties involved.