Company director fined over unsafe work procedures

Posted: May 1, 2014

Posted in: Employer Negligence 

The managing director of a roofing company has been fined for its dangerous work procedures after a member of public photographed one of the workers jet washing a roof without any safety measures in place. The photo was taken in June 2013, showing a man standing on the sloping roof of a house using a power washer. He had been employed by the homeowner to clear the dirt and moss from the roof.

The photograph was sent to the Health and Safety Executive, who sent the roofing company a Prohibition Notice ordering scaffolding and other work safety improvements to be implemented immediately. It was heard at Trafford Magistrates Court that Managing Director Stuart Bell had visited the house in the morning of the cleaning procedure and knew that it would be carried out with no scaffolding.

Previously served with a prohibition notice

The court also heard that the roofing company had failed to provide proof that they had Employers’ Liability Insurance – a requirement of businesses in the UK to ensure that workers can claim compensation if they suffer an injury in the workplace.

The company – IQ Roofing Solutions – pleaded guilty to two breaches of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and one breach of the Employers’ Liability Act 1969.  The company was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay £2,000 towards the cost of the prosecution, which took place on 24 April 2014.

It was revealed in court that IQ Roofing Solutions had previously been given a Prohibition Notice in 2011 for unsafe roofing procedures.

If you have suffered an injury at work, and are looking to claim compensation, please contact us. 

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