The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prosecuted a northwest welding and metal fabrication firm, after a worker suffered life threatening injuries when he fell through a fragile roof.
An employee of John Fowler & Son (Blacksmiths & Welders) Ltd fell eight metres through the roof of a timber storage shed, while attempting to carry out minor roof repairs on a site in Salford, Greater Manchester on 23 February 2016.
The 39-year-old worker suffered multiple injuries, including a broken leg, elbow and ribs. He also punctured his lungs and had his spleen removed as a result of the incident.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found no precautions had been taken to prevent workers from falling through or off the edge of the roof.
HSE also found the company had failed to plan the work at height properly – and had also failed to implement a safe system of work ensuring employees were able to safely carry out the roof work.
At Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court, John Fowler & Son (Blacksmiths & Welders) pleaded guilty to breaches of Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Regulation 3 (1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
The company was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay £5,368.23 in costs.
After the hearing, HSE inspector Jackie Worrall said:
“The injured employee in this case was very fortunate not to lose his life following this fall from height.
“Falls from height can be prevented by careful planning, using trained and experienced workers with suitable equipment – and employing a high level of supervision.
“Deaths caused by falls through fragile surfaces occur mainly to those working in the building maintenance sector when carrying out small, short-term maintenance and cleaning jobs.
“On average, seven people are killed each year after falling through a fragile roof or fragile roof light – many others suffer permanent disabling injury.”
Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors
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.
We are also specialists in high-value personal injury claims involving catastrophic or life changing injuries.
For expert legal advice on no win no fee Falls from Height Claims, call Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors on 0333 772 0409.