Firm failed to assess fragile roof risks

Prosecutions and Claims |
13.02.2008

An Oldbury firm has been ordered to pay £27,000 following the death of a 62-year-old worker who fell through a fragile roof.

In April 2007, Satnam Singh fell six metres during work to replace plastic rooflights and repair leaks at a Smethwick textiles factory. He suffered serious injuries and died later in hospital.

Surjit Singh Kundi, trading as Kundi Electrical, was fined on 11 February at West Bromwich Magistrates' Court for failing to ensure the safety of employees and others.

The HSE said the risk of a fall was "wholly predictable".

An investigation revealed workers were accessing the factory roof by climbing a ladder and crossing several different types of pitched roofs.

"The roofs which were being repaired and those being used for access were totally unprotected, exposing anyone crossing them or working beneath to the most serious risks," said HSE inspector Georgina Speake.

Kundi had failed to carry out a proper assessment of the risks associated with the work.

"Many incidents can be avoided if employers identify a safe way of tackling a job, provide all necessary protective equipment and ensure that workers and casual employees are fully trained and properly supervised," said Speake. "In this instance there were a number of methods and routes of access which would have greatly reduced the risk."

Kundi pleadead guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act and was fined £25,000, with costs of £2,301.

HSW subscribers can access a feature on fragile roofs by clicking here.

HSE guidance on fragile roofs is available by clicking here.