Cathcart Hill where roofs are being repaired

AN air ambulance was scrambled to Archway last Monday after a scaffolder fell from a building on Cathcart Hill.

The incident happened at around 11am at the Peabody housing association property with paramedics on the scene within one minute of the call.

A trauma team from London’s Air Ambulance attended, alongside ambulance crews, paramedics and the fire brigade. The man fell into the concrete garden and was airlifted to a major trauma centre. His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive has been launched. A spokesperson said: “We are aware of this incident and are making enquiries.”

Kenny Esnard, 73, who has lived at the property for 15 years, said “health and safety will be all over this” after the man fell.

The retired electrician added: “Why someone should fall off the scaffolding is beyond me. When I was a lad, that was before health and safety existed. Now, when I look up my back window, everything seems to be in place – railing, side guard.

“After he fell there were about six police cars and about two fire engines all up and down the road. I hope he’s OK.”

The majority of the homes on the street have been covered in scaffold­ing following a mass programme to replace their windows. Workmen are now under­stood to be repairing roofs on the street, which is where the scaffolder is thought to have fallen from.

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 11.13am on Monday April 15 to reports of a fall from a height on Cathcart Hill, N19.

“We sent resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, paramedics in fast response cars, and an incident response officer. We also dispatched a trauma team from London’s Air Ambulance.

“Our first paramedic was on the scene in approximately one minute. We treated a patient at the scene and took them to a major trauma centre.”

Peabody said hat Axis Europe, who manage the site, were the appropriate body to comment.

At the time of going to press, the Tribune had been unable to reach Axis.