Roofers prosecuted after fatal fall

Cardiff Crown Court heard how 46-year-old Lance Davies, a father of seven, died after falling seven metres through a roof light at industrial premises in the Crumlin area of South Wales.

An investigation by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident, which occurred nearly five years ago on 15th December 2011, found that the work at height on the roof was not properly planned, managed or monitored.

Span Roofing Contractors Limited, of Weston Super Mare, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13(2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007. It was fined £65,000 and ordered to pay costs of £37,500.

B&T Roofing Solutions Limited, of Ystrad, Pentre, pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, and was fined £20,000.

Kristian Griffiths, a director of B&T Roofing, also pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 by virtue of Section 37 of the Health and Safety at work etc Act 1974. He was given a 160-hours community service order.

B&T Roofing Solutions and Kristian Griffiths were also ordered to pay costs of £32,500 between them.

Following the hearing, HSE principal inspector Paul Harvey said: “Falls through fragile roof lights and roofs are one of the biggest causes of fatalities and serious injury in the construction industry.  The issue is well known in the construction industry and there is plenty of guidance available.

“The tragic death of Mr Davies could easily have been avoided had the work been planned, managed and monitored effectively and simple and cost effective control measures put in place.”

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