17th August 2017
Two companies fined as worker falls from height
Two Hampshire-based companies have been fined after a 42-year old man died following a roof fall.
What happened?
Bournemouth Crown Court heard that on 20 July 2012 a sub-contractor working for Quality 1st Building Services Ltd was undertaking remedial work to a roof at a domestic property in Ringwood, Hampshire. He was on the roof when he slipped and fell seven meters to the ground. He unfortunately later died of head injuries sustained during the fall.
The investigation found that the principal contractor for the site, E.P. Abley Ltd, and the sub-contractor Quality 1st Building Services Ltd had both failed to ensure the roof work being undertaken had the correct edge protection to prevent falls from height occurring.
Lack of Communication
It was also found both companies had failed to clearly communicate and co-ordinate the work being undertaken on the site in a safe and appropriate manner.
Planning work
Speaking after the hearing, the HSE inspector involved in the case said: “This case highlights the importance of properly planning work at height, to avoid tragic incidents such as this.
“This death could have easily been prevented had both companies taken safety measures before any work at height had begun.”
In the Dock
Quality 1st Building Services Ltd of Northfield Road, Ringwood, Hampshire pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4 (1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2015, and was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay costs of £17,500.
E.P. Abley Ltd of Avon Castle Drive, Ringwood, Hampshire pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The company was fined £26,667 and ordered to pay costs of £22,500.
