The director of a Nottingham building firm has been fined after unsafe work on an asbestos cement roof.

Russell Lloyd's company, Lloyd Home Improvements Ltd, now in liquidation, had been contracted to replace the roof of a factory in Willow Road, Lenton, Notttingham in order for solar panels to be installed.

Nottingham magistrates were told that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) received two complaints about the work from concerned members of the public.

When an inspector visited the factory on 28th February 2012 unsafe work was observed near numerous unprotected fragile rooflights. There was poorly-erected and incomplete edge protection and workers were not using safe work platforms or harnesses to prevent falls.

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Two Prohibition Notices were served by HSE, halting work immediately.

Several weeks later the inspector uncovered evidence that a worker had fallen through one of the skylights on the morning of her visit. The court heard that Mr Russell denied it had happened and failed to provide any information about the injured person or any workers who may have witnessed the incident.

Russell Lloyd, 36, of Albert Avenue, Stapleford, pleaded guilty to breaching:

•Regulations 4(1) and 9(2)(a) of the Work at Height Regulations for failing to ensure work was properly planned supervised and carried out safely using suitable protective measures such as platforms, guard rails and coverings;

•Section 20 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 for failing to provide information relevant to an investigation.

Nottingham Magistrates' Court fined him £2,400 and ordered him to pay costs of £1,585. He was also disqualified as a director for two years.

(CD/GK)