Roofing Firm Fined after Worker Fractures Skull

A roofing firm has been fined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following an incident in which a worker fell from height, fracturing his skull.

Incident

Existing roof lights at Monk Bridge Construction Co Ltd. were being replaced by Mitchell Roofing Ltd, when a worker slipped and fell around seven meters through the sheet of the inner roof. He suffered severe head injuries.

HSE Investigation

An investigation by the HSE found that there no risk assessment had been carried out for the worried in question. Furthermore, the HSE found that no provisions had been put in place to prevent falls from the roof.

York Magistrates Court heard how, previously, the roofing firm had undertaken similar work without incident.

Sentencing & Fines

Mitchell Roofing Ltd of Derwent Road, Malton was found guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined a total of £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,355.

HSE inspector Julian Franklin said after the hearing:

“Basic precautions for roof work and better planning of the job should have been applied. Even short duration work on fragile roofs should be properly assessed and managed.”

Injury at Work – Expert Advice

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Source: Health & Safety Executive