July 13, 2017

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Lack of planning led to work at height failure

A Devon construction firm has been fined following a fall from height incident. An employee of the company fell more than five metres through a fragile roof onto the ground.

Taunton Magistrates’ Court heard that on 23 June 2016, 26-year old Ryan Sartin was repairing a roof at Home Farm, Shepton Beauchamp, Somerset when he fell through a fragile roof onto concrete flooring. He suffered a broken pelvis and wrist as a result of the fall.

The HSE’s investigation found:

  • that the company failed to plan the work to ensure that it was carried out in a safe manner
  • no safety netting had been installed to mitigate the consequences of a fall through the roof
  • no handrail was provided around the roof edge to prevent falls from the roof.

Very lucky

T Broom Construction Limited of Pine Park Road, Honiton, Devon pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4 (1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, and was fined £6,700 and ordered to pay costs of £1,016.60.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector James Lucas said: “Mr Sartin is very lucky he did not sustain more life threatening injuries as a result of this incident.

“T Broom Construction Limited failed in its duty to protect employees working at height by not appropriately planning the work. Suitable planning would have identified the measures required to minimise the risks of a fall from height.”

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