Contractors in court after leisure centre roof fall

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 (HSE) carried out an investigation and on 8 September prosecuted SJ Roberts Construction based in Welshpool and Seaton Heating and Engineering Services 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, 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 half a metre 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 four metres. 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 pleaded guilty to breaching two Regulations of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007. The company was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £645.60. Seaton pleaded guilty to breaching the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and was fined £7,000 and ordered to pay costs of £519.60.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Chris Copeman said: "This worker is very fortunate not to have suffered far more serious injuries. 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. SJ Roberts Construction and Seaton Heating and Engineering Services put workers’ lives in danger by allowing them to work on a roof without suitable safety measures being in place. They failed to recognise their responsibility to ensure that work at height carried out under their control was done safely.”

 

Falls from height are responsible for around a third of workplace deaths every year, with 25 people losing their lives in 2012/13.