Northampton Crown Court heard how A-Lift Crane Hire had been hired by Premier Roofing Systems to provide a crane to lift roofing sheets onto a factory roof at Virani Foods in Wellingborough.
While the sheets were being lifted onto the roof, 58-year-old Peter Smith, an employee of A-Lift, fell eight metres through an unprotected skylight and died as a result of his injuries.
An investigation by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident, which occurred on 9th August 2013, found that preventative measures to allow operatives to work safely on the roof were not put in place.
Premier Roofing Systems Ltd, of Unit G, The Grove, Corby Northamptonshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, and was fined £140,250 and ordered to pay costs of £41,428.
A-Lift Crane Hire Ltd, of Main Road, Wilby, Northamptonshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, and was fined £83,300 and ordered to pay costs of £21,500.
Judge Rupert Mayo told the court: “It is immediately apparent there was a muddle as to ensuring he appropriate equipment, training and instructions were provided to Mr Smith.
“Premier knew the access tower had not been handed over and the Yeoman boards ordered by them would not be on site. A-Lift should have scoped this properly when [a supervisor] visited the site on 7th August. In simple terms, no employee should have been allowed up there until the Yeoman boards were available.”
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