Two companies have been prosecuted after a sub-contractor died while carrying out work on a roof in Hampshire.

Quality 1st Building Services Ltd of Northfield Road, Ringwood, Hampshire pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4 (1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2015. It was fined £40,000 with £17,500 in costs.

E.P. Abley Ltd of Avon Castle Drive, Ringwood, Hampshire pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. It has been fined £26,667 with £22,500 in costs.

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Bournemouth Crown Court heard how the 42-year-old victim was undertaking remedial work to a roof at a domestic property in Ringwood on 20 July 2012.

However, he fell seven metres to the ground and later died of head injuries.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found neither the principal contractor for the site E.P. Abley nor Quality 1st Building Services failed to ensure the roof work being undertaken had the correct edge protection to prevent falls from height occurring.

In addition, it was found both companies failed to clearly communicate and co-ordinate the work being undertaken on the site in a safe and appropriate manner.

HSE inspector Caroline Penwill said: "This case highlights the importance of properly planning work at height, to avoid tragic incidents such as this.

"This death could have easily been prevented had both companies taken safety measures before any work at height had begun."

(LM/MH)