The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prosecuted two companies after a 42-year-old construction worker died in a fall from height.
On 20 July 2012, the sub-contractor working for Quality 1st Building Services Ltd was undertaking remedial work to the roof at a domestic property in Ringwood, Hampshire, when he fell seven metres from the roof to the ground and later died of head injuries.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found neither the principal contractor for the site – E.P. Abley Ltd – nor Quality 1st Building Services Ltd had ensured the roof work being undertaken had the correct edge protection to prevent falls from height occurring.
It was also found that both companies had failed to clearly communicate and co-ordinate the work being undertaken on the site in a safe and appropriate manner.
At Bournemouth Crown Court, Quality 1st Building Services Ltd of Northfield Road, Ringwood in Hampshire pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4 (1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2015.
The company was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay costs of £17,500.
E.P. Abley Ltd of Avon Castle Drive, Ringwood in Hampshire pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
The company was fined £26,667 and ordered to pay costs of £22,500.
After the hearing, HSE inspector Caroline Penwill said:
“This case highlights the importance of properly planning work at height to avoid tragic incidents such as this.
“This death could have easily been prevented had both companies taken safety measures before any work at height had begun.”
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Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors can advise those who suffer injury in a fall from height caused by negligence on how to make a no win no fee claim for compensation, including claims relating to:
Duncan Lewis also offers supportive legal advice to families whose loved one has lost their life as a result of a fall from height caused by negligence.
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For expert legal advice on no win no fee Falls from Height Claims, call Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors on 0333 772 0409.