Roofing firm fined over working at height safety breaches

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A contractor was today fined after admitting unsafe work at height practices and insurance breaches.

James Young trading as Watertight Home Improvements today pleaded guilty at Chester Magistrates’ Court after an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The court heard that on 19 November 2014, an HSE inspection of the re-roofing of a domestic property in Neston, Wirral found workers carrying out work at height without suitable and sufficient means to prevent the risk of a fall from height of both people and objects.

On arrival at the property the inspector found that the only protection available to prevent the risk of a fall from height were two poorly positioned mobile tower scaffolds that did not prevent the risk of serious injury from a fall from height.

Mr Young also pled guilty to a charge of failing to provide Employers Liability Insurance for those undertaking the work on his behalf.

James Young (trading as Watertight Home Improvements Ltd) of Hampton Avenue, Pentre, Deeside pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 6(3) & 10(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, and Section 1(1) of the Employers Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969.

He was fined a total of £1500 (£500 for each breach) and ordered to pay £1020 in costs.

HM Inspector of Health and Safety Phil Redman said: “This case should be a lesson to roof working companies and others who fail to comply with their duties under health and safety legislation, it is unacceptable for companies to put the lives of their workforce at risk”