Roofing company, R4 Industrial Roofing Cladding Systems, has been fined £165,000 after an employee fell through an industrial roof light and sustained fatal injuries
Basildon Crown Court heard how on 25 February 2018, employee of R4 Industrial Roofing Cladding Systems Ltd, Jonathan Moore was undertaking repairs on a large warehouse roof in the Port of Tilbury when he stepped on a fragile rooflight, which gave way. He fell more than 10 metres to the concrete floor below sustaining fatal injuries.
HSE investigation
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the repair work was carried out without appropriate safety precautions in place.
The planning and supervision of the work was completely inadequate, which also put a self-employed worker assisting with the repairs at risk.
R4 Industrial Roofing Cladding Systems Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. They were fined £165,000 and ordered to pay costs of £20,957.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Glyn Davies, 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.
“Companies should be aware that unsafe work at height without suitable and sufficient controls in place is not acceptable and HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standard.”
