Work accident news
15/11/2011

Roofers sentenced after roof-felt accident at work

Two West Midlands contractors have received suspended sentences after an accident at work involving roofing felt, a skylight and an unfortunate office worker.

The two men pleaded guilty to breaching Health and Safety regulations whilst re-felting a flat roof in Ripley.

Derby Magistrates Court heard that only one of the roof's 22 sets of skylights was covered or protected when the workplace accident occurred.

Around six rolls of felt were stored upright near where the men were working, and when one was knocked over it fell straight through one of the unguarded skylights.

The 37kg roll landed on a woman who was working at her desk in the office below. She was taken to hospital with a minor head injury and spent the next two weeks unable to return to work.

After the hearing, a spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said the office worker had been ‘extremely lucky' to have escaped more serious harm.

"This was a frightening experience for her, but it could have been easily prevented had greater care been taken," he said.

Both roofers received 18-week sentences, suspended for 12 months under the condition they complete 280 hours community service.

In addition, the accident at work cost each man £2,114 in court costs.