Construction Boss Found Guilty of Manslaughter

A construction company Director was found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence in April following the death of a roofer.

Lewes Crown Court heard that in July 2018, a worker had been using a ladder that had been secured by two nails into a timber frame on a building site in Hove, when he fell two storeys.

In addition to being found guilty of manslaughter, the company’s Director was also found guilty of two offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act for failure to properly safeguard against serious injury or death from a fall from height. The business itself was also found guilty of these same two charges.

The victim had been subcontracted by an asphalt company for the position; the Brighton-based firm pleaded guilty to an offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act, with its Director also convicted of the same offence, but was not found guilty of manslaughter. Both company Directors have been bailed whilst awaiting sentencing, which will take place in June.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found a number of safety failings including failure to ensure scaffolding or barriers to protect those working at height.

Falls from height remain the number one cause of fatal accidents in UK workplaces. It is the responsibility of employers to ensure a safe environment for all those working at height; this means employing trained and qualified personnel, regularly inspecting the site and ensuring work is supervised – again, by a qualified professional.

Ensure your business is working safely at height with the support of the SIMIAN team, contact us today to find out more about our services.