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Fall through fragile barn roof
A Stranraer based groundwork company been fined £12,000 after a worker fell more than 7m through a fragile roof.
The Sheriff Court heard that the worker was sub-contracted by the groundwork company to carry out roof repairs on a barn.
The worker was walking along the roof when he stepped onto a translucent light panel which broke under his weight resulting in his falling through the roof to the ground below. He suffered a compression fracture of the lower back as a result of the fall.
The subsequent HSE investigation found that the groundworks company had failed to adequately supervise the work at height and relied on the experience of the workers to avoid injury while working at height.
It was also found that the company failed to plan the work at height which meant there were no control measures in place to prevent workers falling from or through the roof.
The company pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4 of the Work at Height Regulations 2015.
Speaking after the hearing the HSE Inspector said that the company’s failings: “resulted in serious injuries which could have easily been prevented had the company planned the work at height. Planning the work at height would have included an assessment of the risks and ensuring that suitable and sufficient measures were in place to prevent falls from height.”
“Work at height is the biggest single cause of fatal and serious injury in the construction industry, particularly on small projects.”
Our latest Blog series looks at the importance of planning work at height to ensure it can be carried out safely. Click here to read How to Properly Plan Work at Height: Part One
