An incident in which four roofers were put at risk serves as a reminder of the need for roof rails, and of the HSE’s willingness to take punitive action even where no injuries are sustained.
In this case, in July 2013, four employees were seen replacing the roof of a house in Hermitage Way, Stanmore, without safe access or roof rails to guard against falls.
Ordinary ladders had been used to reach the top of the property, and no edge protection was present at the site.
HSE inspector Jack Wilby said: “The consequences of a fall from a roof are often life-changing. Fortunately no incidents occurred on this occasion and HSE was able to intervene before a fall from height could occur.”
That was not the end of the incident though, as the HSE prosecuted the workers’ employer for the safety failings.
On June 5th 2015, he was found guilty of breaching Regulation 6(3) of the 2005 Work at Height Regulations, and fined £5,000 with a further £13,743 in costs – the fourth prosecution for this type of offence in north-west London in the past year.