Expert Calls On Companies To Recognise Risks

The dangers of falls from height have been highlighted after a Taunton firm was fined following a work accident in Bristol, an accident at work expert at Irwin Mitchell has highlighted.

Associated Roofing & Maintenance Ltd was fined £4,500 and ordered to pay costs after admitted safety breaches in relation to the case of Mike Preddy, a 37-year-old employee who fell through a roof light while carrying out repairs on an asbestos cement roof.

The worker fell seven metres in the incident and suffered multiple fractures to his back, arms, legs and ribs.

According to the Health and Safety Executive, Mr Preddy’s employer had failed to provide the necessary safety measures to prevent him from falling.

David Urpeth, national head of workplace injuries at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Falls from height are among the most common accidents at work and they can have a devastating impact on those involved.

“We regularly see just how life-changing such issue can be, often leaving people with injuries from which they never fully recover.

“Companies need to wake up to the dangers that so many workers face and ensure they provide the necessary equipment that will keep employees safe while they go about their day-to-day duties.”