Roofing company employee falls seven metres to death.

A hearing at Cardiff Crown Court surrounding the death of 46 year old Lance Davies after a fall from over seven metres through a roof light.

A father of seven, Lance fell into the industrial premises in the Crumlin, South Wales.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the accident which occurred in December 2011 found that the roof work at height was not properly planned, managed or monitored; inadequate control measures were in place to prevent a fall through the roof lights.

Two roofing companies were involved and fined as well as one of the directors. SPAN Roofing Contractors Limited of Weston Super Mare, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13(2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007, and was fined £65,000 and ordered to pay costs of £37,500.
B & T Roofing Solutions Limited, of Ystrad, pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, and was fined a total of £20,000.
Kristian Griffiths, of Ystrad, a director of B & T Roofing Solutions Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 by virtue of Section 37 of the Health and Safety at work etc Act 1974, and was given a 160 hours’ community service. B & T Roofing Solutions and Kristian Griffiths were ordered to pay costs of £32,500 between them.

HSE Principal Inspector Paul Harvey said: “Falls through fragile roof lights and roofs are one of the biggest causes of fatalities and serious injury in the construction industry.  The issue is well known in the construction industry and there is plenty of guidance available.
“The tragic death of Mr Davies could easily have been avoided had the work been planned, managed and monitored effectively and simple and cost effective control measures put in place.”