Man Falls Through Skylight in Accident at Work
Two companies have been fined following an accident at work incident in which a worker fell nine meters through a skylight.
Accident at work – fall from height
Coventry Magistrate’s Court heard how JDB Industrial Roofing Limited had subcontracted ACG Roofing Limited to complete re-cladding work on a fragile roof. The court heard that on the day of the accident at work incident, 15 December 2015, the worker in question fell 9 meters through a skylight to the concrete ground below. He suffered suffered life changing injuries, requiring surgery to install metal rods into his back.
When the worker fell, the harness he was wearing was not attached to anything and no guardrails were in place.
HSE Investigation
An investigation into the accident at work incident by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found multiple safety failings.
The HSE investigation determined that the principle contractors, JDB Industrial Roofing Limited, failed to put effective management systems in place to control the risks that could arise when working at height or on fragile roofing.
Sentencing & fines
JDB Industrial Roofing Limited of Brooklands Court, Kettering, Northamptonshire pleaded guilty to breaching Section 13(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. The company was fined £112,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2216.68.
ACG Roofing Limited of High Street, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire pleaded guilty to breaching Section 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. The company was fined £35,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1721.78.
HSE inspector Edward Fryer said after the hearing:
“This incident could have been fatal; the worker has suffered life changing injuries due to the company failing to properly plan and supervise work at height.
“This case highlights the importance of proper planning, supervision and implementation of work at height especially on fragile roofing.”
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 & Safety Executive
