Two companies have been fined after a 20 year old electrical apprentice fell around 11 feet through a fragile roof while installing CCTV in Weymouth on 13 July 2022. The apprentice sustained back injuries requiring physiotherapy.
An HSE investigation found that Tristan G Murless Limited failed to plan the work safely or provide suitable equipment to prevent the fall. The company pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £16,000, plus costs.
In order to ensure that incidences like this don’t happen again, it’s vital that employers take out vital risk assessments, especially for high up areas. Once these risks are identified, training should be given to employees so everybody is aware of the hazards. Regularly updating risk assessments is also important to ensure any new risks are identified. (for example, a weakening roof).
A second company, Ellis and Partners (Bournemouth) Limited, was fined £6,000 for failing to comply with an HSE request for documents during the investigation.
HSE Inspector Rebecca Gittoes said:
“This incident highlights the importance of proper planning, risk assessment, and safe working equipment when working at height. Employers must ensure young and inexperienced workers are not put at unnecessary risk.”
Guidance on working safely at height is available on the HSE website.
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