We are working for more and more PV solar installers and have supported them in improving their safety management systems but there are still a huge number of firms out there using poor methods and not giving safety the attention it deserves as the accident below shows. If you are working in renewables including biomass, a solar panel installer or similar please give us a call on 01453 800100 to find out how we can work with you to reduce and control your risk.
Fine for solar panel installer after work falls through fragile roof
Brynley Perrett, 37, suffered a compression fracture of his back and sternum after falling 15ft through a fragile roof at Llan-y-nant Farm, near Trellech, Monmouthshire in June 2013. His brother Anthony, was fortunate to escape injury and the firm employing them has been fined £4,500 and costs of £1,500
The pair were installing solar panels on a building at the farm on behalf of Mr Andrew Green, trading as Green Park Power. He was prosecuted by HSE after an investigation found there was no equipment or measures in place, such as nets or scaffold edge protection, to prevent or mitigate the effects of a fall.
Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court heard that Mr Green failed to make an adequate assessment of the risks of working on a fragile roof and did not take sufficient action to reduce those risks. Mr Green, of Maple Close, Abergavenny, pleaded guilty to a breach of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act
HSE Inspector Steve Richardson, speaking after the hearing, said:
“Both brothers were fortunate not to have suffered far more serious injury in this easily avoidable incident. Had nets or other safety measures been installed then the fall risk would have been significantly minimised and the likelihood of injury reduced.
“Working on a roof can be dangerous, with falls accounting for more deaths in the construction industry than any other type of incident. The risks are well known, and guidance is freely available outlining how to work safely at height.
“The onus was on Mr Green to ensure the safety of those in his employment, but he failed to do so. Those in charge of the work must be properly qualified and competent to ensure that the work is carried out safely.”
We hope the above helps. If you’re already a client then please contact us for more advice and if you’re not yet a client, please give us a call on 01453 800100 for some advice and a competitive cost on closing out all of the issues above.
If you’ve got questions or need support on safety in the industrial, contracting or construction sectors please contact us for sensible and proportionate advice on 01453 800100
