A Surrey textiles recycler has faced prosecution despite believing no unsafe work was being undertaken at height on his premises – something safety ladders and edge protection could have helped to ensure was truly the case.
On August 30th 2012, a Health and Safety Executive safety inspector was passing the premises in Horton Close, West Drayton, Hillingdon, and witnessed two individuals working on a sloping roof with no apparent safety measures in place.
Their boss, Rajesh Voralia, trading as RTS Textile Recyclers, was sentenced on January 9th 2014, and faces a £4,000 fine with £3,500 in costs.
However, Voralia had no idea anybody had climbed on to the roof, after the two men moved an unsecured ladder from elsewhere in order to attempt to fix a leak.
Safety ladders fixed in place could have prevented them from being able to do so, while edge protection could have ensured they were protected once they had gained access to the roof.
HSE inspector Jane Wolfenden said: “Whilst there was no actual injury in this case, the risk of serious injury or death from falls during roof work is high and Mr Voralia could have easily prevented such work.”