Summary
A farm manager and farming company were both prosecuted following an accident to a farm employee who fell through a fragile roof. The employee was pressure-washing a pig building inside and out (including the roof) during an intensive disease-control programme when he fell through a skylight. He was working under the direct supervision of the farm manager who was also pressure washing on the roof alongside him.
Access to the roof was gained by simply climbing up the outside of the structure. Both men walked across the corrugated asbestos cement sheets using pressure lances to hose the roof surfaces. Other employees had also been engaged in this same activity when they had the time available. No consideration was given to the use of crawling boards, working platforms or cherry pickers. The young employee fell to the concrete floor fracturing his right leg and wrist.
Action
The farming company was prosecuted under Section 2(1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974 for failing to implement a safe system for roof work. The farm manager was prosecuted under section 37 (1) of the same Act for permitting this unsafe activity while being in a position of control. The company pleaded guilty and was fined £10,000 plus costs of £1,172 and the manager was fined £1,000.
Advice
Protection against falls is required wherever anyone works on or near fragile materials. Suitable protection will normally include a combination of coverings, guard rails, safety nets, and safety harnesses. Simply walking across the roof sheets should NEVER be allowed.
Further guidance is contained in HSE booklet INDG284 "working on roofs" and Agriculture Information Sheet No 32 "preventing falls through fragile roofs in agriculture".