Leisure Centre Roof Fall Costs Contractors

• Content
• Safety & Health
• Leisure Centre Roof Fall Costs Contractors

11 September 2014 | Updated 01 January 1970

Two building contractors have been fined after a worker broke his back when he fell 4m from a roof. The 36-year-old man from Kettlebrook, Tamworth, fractured a vertebra in his lower back after falling from the roof at Southview Leisure Park, Skegness, on 8 March 2013.

The Health and Safety Executive carried out an investigation and prosecuted SJ Roberts Construction Ltd, of Welshpool, and Seaton Heating and Engineering Services Ltd of Tamworth.

Lincoln Magistrates’ Court heard that SJ Roberts Construction had been appointed principal contractor for the installation of a new flume tower and swimming pool extension at the leisure park. Seaton Heating and Engineering Services were employed as sub-contractors to install a new air handling unit and associated pipework for the swimming pool.

The man, an employee of Seaton Heating and Engineering Services, was working on the roof of the swimming pool extension, which was accessed by internal stairs, connecting the various ducts and pipes with the air handling unit. Most of the roof was protected but a section was left exposed, presenting a fall risk.

While working, the man was standing on a narrow plywood area around 0.5m wide, close to the open edge. His route to the stairs was blocked when he needed to go and collect some tools. While walking along the plywood next to the open edge, the plywood gave way and he fell 4m. He landed on his feet but then fell backwards, landing on concrete and rubble.

He spent five days in hospital and needed a back brace when discharged. He had to stay at his parents’ house for six weeks and was unable to work for more than three months. He has since recovered and is now back fully working.

SJ Roberts Construction of Marton, Welshpool, pleaded guilty to breaching two Regulations of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £645.60. Seaton Heating and Engineering Services also pleaded guilty to breaching the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and was fined £7,000 and ordered to pay costs of £519.60

“This worker is very fortunate not to have suffered far more serious injuries,” said Chris Copeman, HSE inspector, speaking after the hearing. “Throughout the whole process of roof work, there was no adequate protection against falls, such as barriers on the open edge. Had he tripped and fallen from the edge of the roof, we could have been dealing with a fatal incident.”

Pictured: Southview Leisure Park, Skegness, scene of where a worker broke his back through poor health and safety

Article written by Mike Gannon | Published 11 September 2014

Share

Related Articles