August 2018

Industry News
FRAGILE ROOF FALLS
HIGH ON SAFETY LIST
The Building Safety Group (BSG) has
reported a 13% rise in the number of
‘Working at Height’ safety breaches
recorded on construction sites. The
increase is based on 10,000 site
inspections conducted during the first six
months of 2018, comparing Q1 with Q2.
BSG’s figure is also a reflection of the steep
increase in fatalities resulting from workers
falling from height. Statistics published by
the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) show
there were 35 ‘falling from height’ related
deaths in 2017/18, up 40% compared to the
previous year. Falls through fragile surfaces –
particularly fibre cement roofs and
rooflights – are said to account for the
majority all ‘fall from height’ fatal injuries in
the construction industry. Workers undertaking
roof work and building maintenance can die or
be permanently disabled when they fall through
fragile surfaces.
Paul Kimpton, Managing Director at the
Building Safety Group, commented:
“Employers have a legal duty to ensure that
the ‘Work at Height Regulations 2005’ are
implemented and that all activity is properly
supervised and carried out by people who are
competent. They are also responsible for
ensuring that fall protection systems for
Working at Height are regularly inspected,
particularly when working in hazardous
environments.”
REGISTER NOW FOR CONTRACTOR’S DAY!
Registration is now open for Contractor’s Day, into this and perhaps overcome issues on a
the new one-day exhibition and conference project, find the right product, material or tool for
launched by the NFRC and Total Contractor a certain job, or network and make positive
magazine, which will be held at Twickenham relationships for the future.”
Stadium on 30th November 2018.
Matt Downs, Editorial Director of Total Contractor,
Andy Dunn, Publishing Director at Total Contractor continued: “Time is precious for roofing
magazine, explained: “Following the launch of the contractors and for many finding the time to
website, contractors can now register for their source new products and keep up to date with the
free tickets to Contractor’s Day. The event is a latest developments whilst dealing with work
great opportunity for contractors to see more than commitments can be difficult. That’s why
60 of the leading manufacturers, suppliers and Contractor’s Day has brought together the leading
Associations from the roofing, cladding and manufacturers, suppliers and trade associations
insulation sectors in one fantastic venue.
for one day only in a great venue so visitors can
access them all in one morning or afternoon.”
“Visitors will also have the opportunity to listen to
and take part in interesting debates and seminars, Contractor’s Day recently announced SIG Roofing
get an exclusive update on the NFRC’s long-term as Knowledge Partner, Marley Eternit as Event
accreditation push for the roofing sector, plus get Supporter and BMI Group as Skill Zone Partner, as
involved with the BMI Group Skill Zone.”
well as a number of new exhibitors including
Carlisle Construction Materials, Danosa UK,
Andy continued: “The demand for this type of
Kingspan Group, Construction Materials Online,
event within the roofing and cladding sector has
Rockwool Group, SIGA Slate, Permavent,
been highlighted by the speed that the stands
Whitesales, Yeoman Rainguard, the Single Ply
have sold and the number and quality of
Roofing Association, the Lead Sheet Training
exhibitors and show supporters we have onboard.
Association and the Liquid Roofing and
All these leading names from the roofing and
Waterproofing Association.
cladding sectors will be bringing their latest
products and innovations alongside their knowhow
and expertise, and visitors will be able to tap
Find out more and register to visit at:
www.contractorsday.co.uk
COMPANIES FINED AFTER WORKER FALL
Two companies have been fined more than half a Regulation 13(1) of the Construction (Design and
million pounds after a site worker lost the use of Management) Regulations 2015 and was fined
his legs following an incident in London.
£270,000 and ordered to pay £7,025.98 in costs.
Paul added: “Critically, falls from height are
still one of the most common causes of
injuries to employees, accounting for a large
number of work-place deaths. So employers
must of course take their responsibilities very
seriously, not least because of the potential
harm to workers but also because of the risk
to the business as well as the number of
working days lost.”
Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard how, on
5th November 2015, Mr Marcel Păduraru, a
Romanian construction worker, fell onto and then
through a fragile plastic skylight into a basement
over three metres below. He suffered a severed
spine and will not regain the use of his legs. He
was 30 years old at the time of the incident.
Grangewood Builders Limited of Lionel Road,
Canvey Island, Essex pleaded guilty to breaching
Trenchco Limited of Clewer Crescent, Harrow
Weald, Middlesex pleaded guilty to breaching
Regulation 15(2) of the Construction (Design and
Management) Regulations 2015 and was fined
£270,000 and ordered to pay £7,025.98 in costs.
HSE inspector Andrew Verrall-Withers commented:
“The risks relating to fragile skylights being fallen
through and the simple solutions to avoid this are
well known.”
6 TC AUGUST 2018