Scottish construction company Fleming Buildings has been prosecuted after a worker fell through a roof and suffered life-changing injuries at a construction site in Glasgow
Fleming Buildings Limited of Auchinloch Road, Lenzie, has been fined £9,335 after pleading guilty to breaching Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, and Section 33(1)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
Glasgow Sheriff Court heard how, on 22 October 2015, a self-employed joiner was working on a construction site at Claremont Terrace in Glasgow when he fell 3.6 metres onto a pile of timber cut-offs, fracturing his ribs and spine.
An investigation by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) discovered that although Fleming Buildings had a risk assessment in place, there were inadequate measures in place to prevent falls through a void in the roof of the building.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Graham Mitchell 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. This incident might have been prevented if suitable and sufficient measures had been in place such as a crash desk or safety net.
“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the standards required.”
