Company and Director Fined for Accident at Work
A solar panel company and its director have been fined after a man was injured after falling from height in an accident at work.
Accident at work
Lewis Harding, 28, was fitting solar panels at a farm when the incident occurred on 19 May 2015. Taunton Magistrates’ Court heard how Mr Harding was working on a fragile roof at Venn Farm, Cornwall, when he fell over three meters through a skylight.
Mr Harding broke his back in three places during the accident at work.
Investigation
The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) investigation into the incident found that the company relied on the ineffective use of a harness when carrying out work at height. The investigation found a lack of safety precautions were in place to stop workers falling from height – no under roof netting, edge protection or boarding was in place.
Furthermore, the HSE investigation found that the failure in this case could be attributed directly to the neglectful actions of director Jon Antoniou. Work had been carried out in the same unsafe manner for months before and after the accident at work that occurred on 19 May 2015.
Sentencing and fines
Eco NRG Solutions Ltd of Polden Business Centre, Bristol Road, Bridgewater has pleaded guilty to breaching Section 4 (1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and Section 33 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The company was fined a total of £115,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,879.60.
Jon Luke Antoniou of Furze Close, Bridgewater pleaded guilty to breaching Section 37 (1) of the Health and Safety at work Act 1974 . He was fined £5,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,957.40.
Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Sue Adsett said:
“The worker is lucky to have not sustained more life threatening injuries from what we found to be a serious breach of the law.
“This case highlights the importance of directors being vigilant and acting on their obligations.”
Accident at work compensation – expert advice
Compensation may be available if you have been injured in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault. More information can be found via our ‘Accidents at Work’ page.
To begin your accident at work claim, contact us today. Remember, we offer you a FREE no obligation-consultation. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .
Source: Health and Safety Executive
