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Companies fined after worker falls from roof

A construction company and a roofing contractor have been fined after a roofer suffered multiple fractures in a fall from a roof.

Horizon Roofing Specialist Ltd had been appointed by principal contractor Bromley-based Property Facilities Group Ltd to originally install a new roof at Aspire Academy in Welling.

Following this, Horizon Roofing was appointed to replace the roof of an existing modular building that was being refurbished after the original contractor became unavailable to complete the work.

worker falls from roof
Horizon Roofing was appointed to replace the roof of a modular building when the accident happened (Image: HSE)

Three roofers began work on the modular building roof on 29 September 2020. During the work, an unexpected flare from a gas gun caused one of the roofers to stumble backward and fall from the unprotected roof.

The roofer, who worked for Horizon Roofing Specialist, suffered multiple fractures in both of his legs which required surgery.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Property Facilities Group and Horizon Roofing had failed to adequately plan, appropriately supervise, and ensure that the work was carried out safely.

Property Facilities Group Ltd, of Newman Road, Bromley, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. It was fined £14,000 and ordered to pay £1,619.25 costs at a hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 19 January 2024.

Horizon Roofing Specialist Ltd, of Langham Road, Robertsbridge, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. It was fined £3,333 and ordered to pay £1,619 costs at the same hearing.

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