MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT FIRM FINED
Joist failed and workman fell during flat roof replacement works
A management and maintenance company has been sentenced for safety breaches after a worker fell through a flat roof in September 2016 in Doncaster.
Sheffield Magistrates Court heard how two workmen were undertaking a flat roof replacement on a single storey outhouse at the rear of the premises.
During the works a roof joist failed causing one of the operatives to fall internally through the roof. He sustained three cracked ribs, contusions and was unable to work for seven months.
Planning and supervision lacking
HSE investigators found that the company failed to ensure that the work at height was properly planned, appropriately supervised and carried out in a safe manner.
St Leger Homes of Doncaster Ltd – pleaded guilty to breaching Section 4 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and was fined £250,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1086.20.
After the hearing, HSE inspector Stuart Whitesmith commented:
“This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices.
Those in control of work at height have a responsibility to ensure that it is properly planned and appropriately supervised to ensure that it is carried out in a safe manner.”
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