With a long history in delivering the best training and guidance in the temporary and permanent suspended access industry, SAEMA is keen to share the following story from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
A Blackpool contractor has been fined after putting employees at significant risk of a fall from height while working on a roof.
Blackpool Magistrates’ Court heard how on two occasions in July 2019, two employees of Ron Richardson Construction Ltd were observed waterproofing a flat roof at fifth floor level the town close to an unprotected edge without the means to prevent a fall.
The workers were not being monitored and had accessed the roof to do the work as they were unable to carry out the task from below with the equipment, which had been provided for them. Enforcement Notices had previously been served against the company for work at height failures at the same site.
An HSE investigation found that the company had not followed its own procedures and was not sufficiently supervising the work. Suitable edge protection to prevent a fall from height was not provided and the workers had not been given sufficient training in working safely on roofs. Ron Richardson Construction Limited of Blackpool pleaded guilty to breaching safety regulations and were fined £18,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3,342.
Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Christine McGlynn said: “The dangers here could have been mitigated with adequate planning and supervision of the work undertaken.
“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fail to heed advice and continue to breach health and safety legislation.”