A construction company and a roofing contractor have been fined after a roofer suffered multiple fractures in a fall from a building roof.
Horizon Roofing Specialist Ltd had been appointed by principal contractor – Bromley-based Property Facilities Group Ltd – to originally undertake the installation of a new roof at Aspire Academy in Welling.
Following this, Horizon Roofing were appointed to replace the roof of an existing modular building that was being refurbished, due to the original contractor becoming unavailable to complete the work.
On 29 September 2020, three roofers began work on the modular building roof, and during the work an unexpected flare from a gas gun caused one of the roofers to stumble backwards and fall from the edge of the unprotected roof to the ground below.
The roofer who worked for Horizon Roofing Specialist Limited, suffered multiple fractures to both of his legs which required surgery.
HSE has clear and concise guidance on carrying out roof work safely.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Property Facilities Group and Horizon Roofing had failed to adequately plan, appropriately supervise, and ensure that the work was carried out in a safe manner.
Property Facilities Group Ltd, of Newman Road, Bromley, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. They were fined £14,000 and was ordered to pay £1,619.25 costs at a hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court on 19 January 2024.
Horizon Roofing Specialist Limited, of Langham Road, Robertsbridge, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. They were fined £3,333 and was ordered to pay £1,619 costs at the same hearing.
After the hearing, HSE inspector Gemma Cox said: “Too many workers are injured every year as a result of falling from roofs with unprotected edges. The victim sustained serious injuries which could have been prevented if basic, industry standard control measures had been put in place.
“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Rebecca Schwartz and supported by HSE Paralegal Officer, Rebecca Foreman.
Notes to editors:
- The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We prevent work-related death, injury and ill health through regulatory actions that range from influencing behaviours across whole industry sectors through to targeted interventions on individual businesses. These activities are supported by globally recognised scientific expertise.
- More information about the legislation referred to in this case is available.
- Further details on the latest HSE news releases is available.