Solar panel firm in court after employees fall through roof
The owner of the solar panel firm, Green Park Power, has been prosecuted after two brothers fell 15ft through a fragile roof.
What happened?
The brothers had been installing solar panels to the roof of a farm when the floor collapsed beneath them, causing them to plummet 15 feet to the ground below.
37-year-old Brynley Perrett, sustained painful injuries including a compression fracture of his back and sternum. His brother, Anthony Perrett, was unharmed.
An investigation into the incident found that there had been no nets, scaffold edge protection or measures in place to assure the safety of the employees.
Additionally, the firm’s owner had failed to carry out an adequate risk assessment for work carried out on a fragile roof, and hadn’t taken any action to reduce risks to workers.
What was the outcome?
Andrew Green was fined £4,500 and ordered to pay costs of £1,500, after pleading guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
HSE Inspector, Steve Richardson, said:
“Both brothers were fortunate not to have suffered far more
serious injury in this easily avoidable incident. Had
nets or other safety measures been installed then
the fall risk would have been significantly
minimised and the likelihood
of injury reduced.
“Working on a roof can be dangerous, with falls accounting
for more deaths in the construction industry than any
other type of incident. The risks are well known,
and guidance is freely available outlining
how to work safely at height.
“The onus was on Mr Green to ensure the safety of those in
his employment, but he failed to do so. Those in charge
of the work must be properly qualified and competent
to ensure that the work is carried out safely.”
If you have been affected by an accident at work, and you would like expert advice, contact Hampson Hughes Solicitors today on 0800 888 6888 or email
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