College fined after window cleaner falls from roof
Jun 21, 2010
A college has been fined £1,500 after a window cleaner suffered broken ribs and a serious back injury after falling four metres.
The window cleaner accessed the roof of the main reception building using a ladder and fell when he leaned against the building to clean nearby windows.
He spent a week in hospital and was forced to stay off work for months, even now he can only carry out restricted duties.
The college pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999 for failing to conduct a sufficient risk assessment. As well as the fine, the college was also ordered to pay £9,500 towards prosecution costs.
The window cleaner’s employer was also prosecuted by the HSE after pleading guilty for its role in the incident and was fined £2,500 and ordered to pay costs of £2,948.20.
The window cleaner suffered life-changing injuries as a result of his fall. The college had a legal duty to check its contractors had proper procedures in place but failed to do so.
Employers and organisations who hire contract staff have a joint responsibility to ensure the safety of all staff who work on site, to avoid serious incidents such as this.
Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999 states: "Every employer shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of (a) the risks to the health and safety of his employees to which they are exposed whilst they are at work; and (b) the risks to the health and safety of persons not in his employment arising out of or in connection with the conduct by him of his undertaking.
Wilby Ltd’s Risk Management Consultants can assist you in assessing your contractors to help ensure their work is carried out safely. Contact us on 01422 358525 or contact us via our enquiry form for further details.
