Fine after builder put lives at risk

A Health and Safety Executive Inspector spotted men working on a roof without safety equipment leading to a £1,500 fine.

St Helens Magistrates Court heard how Charles Molloy of Molloy Building Contractors was hired to replace ridge tiles on top of the Black Horse Hotel roof in St Helens. On 18 June 2009 a Health and Safety Inspector spotted Mr Molloy and his worker on the roof without harnesses, no scaffolding or any other safety precautions in place.

The Court heard how Mr Molloy also ignored advice he was given about the way he was working by an Environmental Health Officer from St Helens Council, a few days before HSE s visit.

Mr Molloy was fined £1,5000 and ordered to pay £1,000 costs after pleading guilty to breaching Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 by failing to take measures to prevent workers falling

HSE Inspector Sandra Tomlinson said: "Mr Molloy apparently had little concern for his own safety, or that of those he employed, by working so precariously on a rooftop. When we visited the site and saw both men still working on the roof without safety equipment after previous warnings, we had no choice but to take legal action.

Inspector Tomlinson concluded: "Falls from height kill dozens of workers every year and seriously injure hundreds more. We will therefore continue to prosecute employers who put lives in danger."

Find out more about Working at Heights