A company specialising in roofing work has been fined after a self-employed roofer was seriously injured after from a roof.
Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard that, on September 1, 2016, the roofer was carrying out work for Phoenix Roofing and Cladding, placing new roof panels and other materials at an industrial unit at the Butlerfield Industrial Estate, Newtongrange. Whilst traversing the roof, the roofer slipped and fell through an existing rooflight and landed on a suspended ceiling below.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the fall was possibly due to the unsafe working environment and methods of working being undertaken. It was established the main cause of the incident was insufficient identification of risk in the work being done.
Phoenix Roofing and Cladding pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at work etc Act 1974 and was fined £20,000.
Stuart Easson, HSE inspector, 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 HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standard.”
