Two companies fined after roof fall death

Two Hampshire based companies have been fined after the death of a 42-year old man.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard that on 20 July 2012 the sub-contractor working for Quality 1st Building Services Ltd was undertaking remedial work to a roof at a domestic property in Ringwood, Hampshire when he fell seven metres from the roof to the ground and later died of head injuries.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found neither the principal contractor for the site E.P. Abley Ltd nor Quality 1st Building Services Ltd failed to ensure the roof work being undertaken had the correct edge protection to prevent falls from height occurring.

It was also found both companies failed to clearly communicate and co-ordinate the work being undertaken on the site in a safe and appropriate manner.

Quality 1st Building Services Ltd of Northfield Road, Ringwood, Hampshire pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4 (1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2015, and has been fined £40,000 and ordered to pay costs of £17,500.

E.P. Abley Ltd of Avon Castle Drive, Ringwood, Hampshire pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

The company has been fined £26,667 and ordered to pay costs of £22,500.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Caroline Penwill said: “This case highlights the importance of properly planning work at height, to avoid tragic incidents such as this.

“This death could have easily been prevented had both companies taken safety measures before any work at height had begun.”