Developer fined after surveyor’s roof fall

A developer has been fined £200,000 after one of its employees suffered multiple skull fractures when falling from a roof.

City Property (Glasgow) was hit with the penalty at Glasgow Sheriff Court shortly before Christmas.

It followed an incident in April 2018 when asbestos surveyor Robin Williamson fell 8 metres through a rooflight.

Williamson was working at Netherton Community Centre in Glasgow when the accident happened. He suffered a bleed to the brain and fractures to his skull, spine and ribs. He now uses a wheelchair.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that City Property (Glasgow) did not provide a safe system for working at height on the external roof areas of the community centre. The firm did not plan, organise and supervise the work to ensure that the risks were identified and adequate precautions were in place, the safety watchdog concluded.

City Property (Glasgow) LLP of Exchange House, George Street, Glasgow, pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

HSE principal inspector Cameron Adam said: “Falls from a height remain one of the most common causes of work-related fatalities and significant injuries in this country and the risks associated with working at height are well-known.

“Falls from height are avoidable and Mr Williamson’s accident would have been prevented had the risks been properly assessed and the appropriate control measures implemented.

“Employers should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”

City Property (Glasgow) has been contacted for comment.