Construction employers sentenced after roofer’s death

Two construction contractors have received fines totalling £135,000, and another was handed a suspended prison sentence, following the death of a roofer.

Both employers were sentenced at Belfast Crown Court on 7 July after earlier pleading guilty to breaches of health and safety legislation.

Leslie Wright, a Newtownards-based demolition contractor, was fined a total of £90,000. Wright also received a nine-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years. And he was disqualified as a director for 10 years. H Miskimmin Ltd, a construction company based in Donaghadee, was fined £45,000.

The sentencing followed an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI).

It followed the death of Raymond Morgan, 43, who fell 5m through the roof of a disused factory on 28 May 2014. He died from his injuries the following day.

The incident occurred during the redevelopment of an old factory site at Comber Road, Newtownards. Demolition, site clearance and removal of asbestos materials was contracted to Leslie Wright and H Miskimmin Ltd.

The investigation found that Morgan and several other workers were on the roof stripping asbestos sheeting. When removed, this was lowered to the ground using a scissor lift.

At approximately 12.15pm, Morgan fell through the fragile asbestos roof onto a concrete floor. Measures were not in place to prevent any worker from either falling from or through the roof structure.

In this case, both parties were responsible for the safety failings on site.

Speaking after sentencing, health and safety inspector Anne Cassidy said: “Working at height is inherently dangerous and carries obvious and well-known risks of death and serious injury from falls.

“This tragic loss of life was avoidable. Where working at height cannot be avoided, all contractors must ensure that safety measures are put in place to prevent falls and protect workers. Where necessary, employers should not hesitate to seek competent advice.”