Lawyer Comments On HSE Prosecution

A leading workplace injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell has claimed that a recent prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) demonstrates the importance of providing the right level of protection to staff.

David Urpeth commented after roofer Mark McKernan of Hesketh Street, Atherton was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,000 in relation to an incident where he and three employees were spotted working on a project without any safety equipment.

In addition, the workmen were also seen throwing slates from the roofs of two homes into a skip on ground level that was close to a public pavement.

Discussing the case, Urpeth said: “This case is a classic example of how some businesses need to put the issue of health and safety higher up their agenda. The responsibility of ensuring all workers are fully aware of safety guidelines rests with the employer.

“It is vital that businesses take note of cases like this one and boost their standards in order to ensure that all members of staff are able carry out their duties safe from harm.”