Portal Power was fined £10,000 following accident in which employee fell 7m through roof light

The Health and Safety Executive has warned construction firms to protect workers from falls from height after a Rugby employer was fined £10,000 following an accident.

David Rose, of Portal Power, was fined at Rugby Magistrates court yesterday after 19-year-old employee Steven Edkins fell seven metres through a fragile roof light. Edkins was awarded an additional £4000 in compensation.

HSE investigating inspector Alex Nayar said: “Experience shows that falls from height usually occur as a result of poor management rather than because of equipment failure. Companies need to realise the necessity of implementing appropriate safety measures to provide a safe working environment, preventing falls and avoiding injuries.”

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