A Falkirk company specialising in roofing work has been fined after a self-employed roofer was seriously injured after falling from a roof while carrying out work for the firm.
The roofer had been carrying out work for Phoenix Roofing and Cladding Limited in 2016. Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard how the workman had been placing new roof panels and other materials on a roof at an industrial unit at the Butlerfield Industrial Estate at Newtongrange. Whilst traversing the roof the roofer slipped and fell through an existing rooflight and landed on a suspended ceiling below.
A subsequent investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the fall from height was ‘possibly’ due to the unsafe working environment and unsafe methods of working being undertaken. It was established that the main cause of the incident was the insufficient identification of risk in the work being done.
Phoenix Roofing and Cladding Limited of Meeks Road, Falkirk pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at work etc Act 1974 and were fined £20,000.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Stuart Easson said, “Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work-related fatalities in this country and the risks associated with working at height are well known.
“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standard.”
