Page 1398 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 516

19 May 2016

Fall From Height

A Sheffield-based signage company has been fined after a worker suffered sustained life-threatening
injuries when he fell from a roof.

The sign company was contracted to install a large sign to the gable end of a building and, on 13 April
2015, three fitters climbed onto a neighbouring flat roof to erect it. One of the workers fell from the roof
and sustained a fractured skull and spine, a collapsed lung, and several broken ribs.

Following an investigation, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) concluded the sign company had
failed to implement any measures to prevent a fall from height.

The company pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations, which
requires every employer to properly plan and supervise work at height. It was fined £20,000 and
ordered to pay costs of £1,538.

After the hearing at Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court, HSE inspector Helen Barley said: “Failure to
prevent falls when working at height can lead to serious injury or death.”

Xmo Strata has procedure in place to ensure all works are carried out safely and where working on
roofs suitable edge protection or fall arrest systems are put in place. It is your responsibility to ensure
these procedures are followed and that you report any problems, concerns or issues you have. If you
have any questions or suggestions, please contact your line manager.

We are all a product of learning. Every skill we have; everything we know; everything we believe and everything we do has
been learned throughout the course of our lives. Some of us learn best by studying graphs and charts, some through visual
presentations, and some by reading detailed text books. It is important that we receive information in a format that works for
us as individuals! That’s why at Xmo Strata we use a variety of communication platforms such as bulletins, newsletters,
videos etc. However, if you feel there is a better way for us to share health and safety information, please let us know.
Ultimately, your safety is in your hands – but we will do all we can to keep you well informed!