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March 10, 2020

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in court

Fall from height risk not identified

A company specialising in roofing work has been fined after a self-employed roofer was seriously injured when he fell from a roof.

The self-employed roofer was carrying out work for Phoenix Roofing and Cladding Limited on 1 September 2016, placing new roof panels and other materials on a roof at an industrial unit at the Butlerfield Industrial Estate, Newtongrange. Whilst traversing the roof, the roofer slipped and fell through an existing rooflight and landed on a suspended ceiling below.

Investigating, the HSE found that the fall from height was possibly due to the unsafe working environment and unsafe methods of working being undertaken. It was established the main cause of the incident was insufficient identification of risk in the work being done.

Phoenix Roofing and Cladding Limited of Meeks Road, Falkirk pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at work etc Act 1974. The firm was  and were fined £20,000.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Stuart Easson said: “Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work-related fatalities in this country and the risks associated with working at height are well known.”


Watch: Top 5 most-read in fines and prosecutions in February 2020

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