Industry news
Firm fined over safety failings
Posted Wed, 30 Mar 2011
A Wirral-based property maintenance company has been fined £2,000 after workers were discovered conducting repairs while standing on a sloping roof.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Canova UK Ltd, of Milner Road, Heswell, after a complaint led them to visit a bungalow where work was taking place.
While attending the site on Irby Road in Heswall on January 29, 2010, an HSE inspector observed an employee of the company standing more than 4m off the ground on the ridge of a roof. Another employee was also seen on the roof at the back of the property.
The two workers had been removing moss and other detritus from the bungalow using a power washer.
An immediate prohibition notice was issued by the inspector, halting further work from taking place.
Canova UK Ltd was prosecuted for failing to ensure scaffolding, edge protection or other safety equipment was in place to stop workers being injured in a fall.
Wirral Magistrates' Court heard that the company had previously received a prohibition notice following a similar incident at a property on Parkgate Road in Neston on October 16, 2009.
The firm pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £1,500 in costs.
Copyright © Press Association 2011
Health and Safety Executive