An Oldham-based company has been fined £20,000 after an employee fractured his back after falling through a roof light.
On August 3, 2022, a 24-year-old man employed by Hightech Roofing N/W Limited, based in Failsworth, was repairing a roof on a building in Blackburn.
While on the roof, the man fell through a roof light and landed roughly 4.8 metres below.
He suffered a broken foot and ankle as well as a fractured vertebrae.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found Hightech Roofing, based on Grimshaw Street in Failsworth, failed to ensure the work on the roof was properly planned, appropriately supervised and carried out in a manner that was as safe as reasonably practicable.
Operatives used orientated strand boards as crawl boards to move around the roof, with the boards placed where employees needed to step.
However, the boards did not cover the roof lights, which led to the worker falling.
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The HSE also found that Hightech Roofing failed to assess the specific risks arising from the need to work on or over fragile surfaces and failed to consider risks arising from employees working in proximity to the edge of the roof.
No edge protection had been installed at the gable end of the building.
HSE guidance states those carrying out roof work must be trained, competent and instructed in use of the precautions required.
A ‘method statement’ is the common way to help manage work on roofs and communicate the precautions to those involved.
At Preston Magistrates' Court on May 9, Hightech Roofing pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and was ordered to pay a fine of £20,000 along with £5,858.46 in further costs.
HSE inspector Sam Eves said: “This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices.
“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
This prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Gemma Zakrzewski and supported by HSE paralegal officer Rebecca Withell.
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