HSE warns companies following worker's death

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a warning to companies to ensure workers who operate at height are provided with suitable safety equipment, following the prosecution of a company that failed to do so.

A worker for North Eastern Roofing fell through a skylight and plummeted 30ft, suffering fatal injuries.

The Crown Prosecution Service later brought charges against the proprietor of the firm, Roy Clark and he admitted a charge of manslaughter, receiving a jail term of ten months.

Dean Baker, the HSE inspector, said that the victim had not received adequate training or safety apparatus and warned others to make sure their staff do.

"This tragic case demonstrates the need for employers to take serious steps to ensure anyone working at height is properly trained, and given appropriate equipment to do their job safely," he said.

Last year, 45 workers died following falls from height, while there were 3,750 people injured, according to the HSE's figures.