The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned employers that they face prosecution if they fail to ensure the safety of people working at height.

The warning came after a North East roofing company, was fined £6,000 and ordered to pay costs of £17,028 at Sunderland Magistrates' Court after it failed to ensure that roofing work was carried out safely on an industrial building on Wearside.

Abercorn Homes Ltd, of Hobson Industrial Estate, Burnopfield, Tyne and Wear, was found guilty of breaching regulations 4(1)(c) and 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, following an investigation by the HSE. The charges relate to work carried out on 3 November 2006, on an industrial roof at Rainton Meadows Arena at Rainton Bridge.

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HSE Inspector Michael Brown said: "Three workers were observed by a HSE inspector carrying out additional cladding work on the roof of the building, about four metres from ground level. Edge protection had not been provided for the eaves of the building, which were approximately 50 metres long, although it had been provided on the gable ends of the building. In addition, a scissor lift had been inappropriately used to gain access to the roof and modified to carry materials."

The risks from work at height on construction sites are well known within the industry and HSE statistics show that for the year 2006/07 falls from height accounted for 23 deaths. Abercorn Homes Ltd, who was the roofing contractor for the site, should have been well versed in, and implemented, the necessary safety requirements. The management and control of work at height fell well below those standards expected.

(CD/JM)