Bolton Roofer Fined for Health and Safety Breach
A Bolton based roofer has been fined after breaching several health and safety regulations. Alex Morrisey put lives in jeopardy last year when he balanced dangerously on the roof of a fish and chip shop while customers continued to frequent the premises.
A Health and Safety Executive Investigation found that Mr Morrisey had not provided appropriate support to prevent him and fellow workers from slipping. An initial report also revealed that Mr Morrisey had allowed various materials including tiles to fall to the pavement below.
“This was a basic error that could have resulted in someone being seriously injured or even killed. Not only did Mr Morrisey put himself in danger, he also risked the life of the labourer he employed,” HSE Inspector Ian Betley said.
“He also failed to do anything to prevent members of the public being injured by falling materials. Some of the pieces of wood that were dropped from the scaffolding had nails in them so they could have caused a nasty injury.”
Trafford Magistrates Court heard that Alex Morrisey had not erected a protective guarding mesh to ensure any loose materials or tiles would not injure members of the public who were visiting the shop throughout the day.
Mr Morrisey pleaded guilty to breaching the 2005 Work at Height Regulations and was subsequently fined £1,000 and told to pay prosecution costs amounting to £800.
