Director Falls Through Skylight in Accident at Work
Two firms have been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive after a director suffered serious injuries after falling through a skylight in an accident at work.
Incident
Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court heard Touch Access Limited (TAL) was contracted to clean out the roof gutters of buildings at the site of Beagle Technology Group Limited (BTGL) on 11 July 2013.
The company director of TAL was carrying out the work when he lost his balance and fell through a plastic skylight. The director suffered a broken elbow, cuts to his face and broke both wrists after falling approximately fifteen feet.
HSE investigation
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that BTGL had failed to provide TAL with sufficient information regarding the potential risks workers might be exposed to whilst carrying out the work at height.
The investigation also found that TAL had failed to ensure that the work was carried out safely and with proper planning.
Outcome & Fines
After pleading guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Touch Access Limited, of Wordsworth Avenue, Bournemouth, was fined £5,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,144.
After pleading guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Beagle Technology Group Limited, of Stony Lane, Christchurch, Dorset, was fined £3,500 and ordered to pay costs of £1,144.
Following the hearing, HSE inspector Damien Milbourne said:
“Working on roofs is a high risk activity because it involves working at height. Falls through fragile materials, such as roof lights and asbestos cement roofing sheets, account for more deaths as a result of falling from height than any other single cause.
“The risks of working on fragile roofs are well-known, but so too are the ways to manage those risks, and all parties involved with work on fragile roofs must ensure the work is correctly planned and managed to ensure the safety of all involved.”
Accident at Work – Expert Advice
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Source: Health & Safety Executive
