Two Firms & Director Fined after Death of Worker

Two roofing firms and one of their directors have been fined following an incident in which a worker fell to his death through a skylight.

Incident

Worker Lance Davies, a father of seven, died after he fell seven meters through a roof light to the floor below. The incident took place at an industrial property in the Crumlin area of South Wales, in December 2011.

Cardiff Crown Court heard that an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found there were inadequate control measures in place to prevent a fall through the roof lights on the property. Inspectors also found that the work at height had not been properly planned or supervised.

Sentencing

After pleading guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, B & T Roofing Solutions Limited, of Arthur Street, Ystrad, Pentre, was fined a total of £20,000.

Kristian Griffiths, of Arthur Street, Ystrad, Pentre, a director of B & T Roofing Solutions Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 by virtue of Section 37 of the Health and Safety at work etc Act 1974. The director received a 160 hours community service order.

B & T Roofing Solutions and Kristian Griffiths were ordered to pay costs of £32,500 between them.

SPAN Roofing Contractors Limited, of Sunnyside Road North, Weston Super Mare, North Somerset, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13(2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007. The company was fined £65,000 and ordered to pay costs of £37,500.

Following the hearing, HSE Principal Inspector Paul Harvey said:

“Falls through fragile roof lights and roofs are one of the biggest causes of fatalities and serious injury in the construction industry. The issue is well known in the construction industry and there is plenty of guidance available.

“The tragic death of Mr Davies could easily have been avoided had the work been planned, managed and monitored effectively and simple and cost effective control measures put in place.”

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Source: Health & Safety Executive