HSE fine painting company after safety breach
Posted on February 10th 2010
The Health and Safety Executive have prosecuted a painting company from Sheffield following a workers 7 meter fall. In total the company received fines of £3,000 after pleading guilty at Sheffield Magistrates Court to breaching the Work at Height Regulations act 2005.
John Henderson sustained multiple fractures to his arms and legs after falling 7 meters through a roof where he was working. The incident occurred at Beeley Fabrications in Sheffield where Mr Henderson fell through the fragile surface while preparing to clean the lighting on the roof. Further investigation by the HSE showed that the sufficient safety measures had not been taken in order to prevent this kind of accident happening.
Alison Crank from the HSE said: "There were no precautions in place at the time to prevent a fall through the fragile roof or from the roof edge and as a result Mr Henderson sustained long-term serious injury. HSE is determined to raise as much awareness as possible to the hazards and risks of working at height so that employers can take sufficient steps to minimise the serious consequences of a fall."
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