Contractors have been fined after a worker fell through a roof and suffered three fractured vertebrae, a displaced ribcage and a fractured heel as a result
John Parker had been subcontracted by local firm Michael Mudd Limited, to repair the roof of the sheep shed at a farm near Orton, Penrith.
Carlisle Magistrates’ Court heard how a 22-year-old had been working on a farm when he fell through a roof, over four metres, onto the concrete floor below. He suffered three fractured vertebrae, a displaced ribcage and a fractured heel as a result.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the work lacked proper planning and that no measures had been put in place to protect against falls from height.
John Robert Parker of New Village, Ingleton pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 6 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and was fined £2,000 with costs of £971.80.
Michael Mudd Ltd of Park View, Marthwaite, Sedbergh pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and was fined £11,000 with costs of £851.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Matthew Tinsley said: “This incident was avoidable. It resulted in serious injuries, but a fall from this distance could easily have resulted in a death.
“Roof work should always be properly planned with measures put in place to prevent people falling and contractors should have sufficient knowledge, skills, equipment and experience to work safely at height on farm buildings.”
