Prosecutions

Runcorn Magistrates' Court was told the 64-year-old, who asked not to be named, could have been paralysed or even killed when he fell three metres through a suspended ceiling at a workshop.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted the site occupiers as well as the injured worker's employer following the incident on 6 August 2008. They were fined a total of £7,000 by magistrates.

The plumber had been installing a hot water heater at the edge of a boarded area of the roof when he fell through the fragile ceiling tile. He suffered injuries to his head and neck, and needed to wear a neck brace for 12 weeks.

The HSE investigation found another plumber had fallen through a ceiling tile at the premises two years earlier, but had escaped injury by grabbing hold of the ceiling boards.

Speaking after the hearing, a HSE Inspector commented:

"It's disappointing this work was allowed to go ahead without suitable planning for working at height, especially as another plumber had fallen through a roof tile at the same site.

"The occupier ignored its own procedures for checking the methods contractors intended to use when undertaking work. The plumber’s employer should have made sure a safety barrier was erected or instructed the worker to wear a harness with a rope attached to a fixed point.

"Falls from just a few metres above the ground are responsible for hundreds of workplace injuries every year. Those responsible for work activities taking place at height must make sure workers stay safe."

The occupier pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 for putting lives at risk after it failed to oversee the work properly. The company was fined £6,000 and ordered to pay £1,498 in prosecution costs.

The plumbing firm admitted breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 after failing to make sure the work was planned properly and carried out safely. The owner of the firm was fined £1,000 with £300 costs.