Two brothers have fallen 15 foot through a fragile roof leading to the owner of the solar panel business being fined.
The roof was not identified as a risk and Brynley Perrett suffered injuries to his back as a result. His brother Anthony was lucky enough to escape without any injury.
The accident occurred at Llan-y-nant Farm, near Trellech, Monmouthshire while the brothers were installing solar panels on a building at the farm. Andrew Green, trading as Green Park Power, has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after an investigation which discovered there was no equipment or measures in place to avoid or soften the fall.
The Magistrate’s Court in Cwmbran heard that Mr Green had not made an adequate assessment of the risks of the roof which turned out to be fragile. He also failed to take any sufficient action to lessen risks that may exist.
Andrew Green pleaded guilty to a breach of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. His fine was £4 500 and he has been ordered to pay £1 500 in costs.
HSE Inspector Steve Richardson said: "Both brothers were fortunate not to have suffered far more serious injury in this easily avoidable incident. Had nets or other safety measures been installed then the fall risk would have been significantly minimised and the likelihood of injury reduced."
Cedrec’s take:
With the raft of guidance available on roof work, particularly fragile roofs, it is worrying that breaches of this kind still occur. It may take a little extra time and money, but taking the proper steps to ensure roof work is safe is always the best course.
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