A British logistics firm was recently fined more than $117,000 after a worker suffered life-changing injuries in a fall from a roof.
Andrew Bannister, who had worked for PK & IF Cobley Limited for 15 years, was worried about being sent up onto a fragile roof to repair cracks in it, but he was still instructed to do the work.
Leicester Crown Court heard Bannister was sent to repair a fragile roof at Misterton Farm, Great Poultney, Leicestershire, without any means to prevent his fall from the roof edge or through the roof.
In August of 2012, Bannister fell approximately 10 meters through the roof, landed on a concrete floor and suffered life-changing injuries, including a broken neck, back and three broken ribs.
PK & IF Cobley Limited, of Broughton Astley, Leicestershire, was found guilty of breaching regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
The judge hearing the case said the work at height was obviously a dangerous job and that it was a miracle that Bannister was not killed. As well as the fine of more than $117,000, he ordered the company to pay some $45,000 in costs.
Author Kori Shafer-Stack, Editor, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. is an expert in post-injury response procedures and part of the Amaxx team helping companies reduce their workers compensation costs by 20% to 50%. www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com. Contact: [email protected].
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