Firm fined for worker's roof fall

A Herefordshire building firm has been ordered to pay more than £5,000 after a worker fell off a barn roof.

Mitchell and Son Homes Ltd appeared at Hereford Magistrates Court after a subcontractor slipped from his ladder and fell about four metres onto tarmac.

Thomas Macklin suffered multiple fractures and damaged his wrist in the accident near Ross-on-Wye last April.

The Pengethley firm admitted two charges of failing health and safety standards.

After the hearing the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) warned house builders to ensure proper precautions are taken to prevent injuries from accidents due to falling from heights.

Mitchell and Son Homes was fined £2,000 for each of the two charges and costs of £1,278.

The incident occurred during the conversion of old farm buildings at Walford Court Barns, in Walford, when Mr Macklin was working on the roofing.

His ladder was balanced on scaffolding which was not adequately fitted with toe boards, which would have prevented it slipping.