Glasgow Sherriff Court was told that on 19 January 2017 Inex Works Civils Limited subcontracted repair work on the roof of 183 St Vincent Street to Colin Martin. Mr Martin and an employee were photographed on the roof. Mr Martin had slithered down a sloping roof to work on the roof edge, whilst an employee held on to a piece of webbing strap that was attached to a rope which in turn was attached to the harness of Mr Martin. Neither the employee or Mr Martin were attached to a suitable anchor point. Mr Martin was observed throwing a brush and black bin bags up to his employee.
Investigating, the HSE found that Inex Works Civils Limited had failed to ensure that the subcontractor, Colin Martin, had properly planned a safe system for working at height on said roof with appropriate equipment, and that Colin Martin carried out work at height whilst wearing a harness that was not attached to a suitable anchor point and was instead held by his employee, exposing them both to the risk of serious injury or death from a fall from height.
Fines
Inex Works Civils Limited of Mid Road, Cumbernauld pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 15(2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and was fined £1,300.
Colin Martin of Rowan Avenue, Milton of Campsie pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 6(3) of the Work at height regulations 2005 and was fined £2,000.
HSE comment
Speaking after the hearing HSE Principal Inspector, Graeme McMinn said: “The failures that have come to light in this case could have endangered the lives of these workers, and materials being thrown up could have fallen onto the pavement below.
“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.”
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