A FORMER Tiverton building firm has been fined for safety failings after a worker suffered severe arm injuries when he fell through an unguarded fragile roof light.

Paul Osmond, of Hele, Exeter, broke his right arm and injured his left shoulder after falling 4.5 metres onto a concrete floor in the incident at a warehouse in Bancombe Court, Martock, on January 31 this year.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the incident and this week prosecuted Philip Saunders Building Contractors at Yeovil Magistrates’ Court.

A statement from the HSE said that the court heard how Mr Osmond and a fellow workman were asked to install a new roof over an existing tin one.

No mention had been made of the fragile skylights before the work began and no arrangements had been made to install netting to lessen the impact of any falls.

The duo arrived at the site early in the morning while it was still dark.

The HSE said both warehouses were locked, so there was no way of gaining access to install safety netting.

When Mr Osmond stepped onto the skylight it gave way, sending him crashing to the floor below, the court was told.

His arm required surgery and was in plaster for six weeks, rendering him unable to work.

HSE’s investigation found no safe system for covering the skylights had been shown to Mr Osmond or his colleague, such as placing netting or scaffolding underneath to prevent falls.

Philip Saunders Contractors, of Tiverton, which is now in liquidation, was fined £12,500 and ordered to pay £2,850 in costs after pleading not guilty to breaching the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

HSE inspector James Lucas, speaking after the hearing, said: “Although Mr Osmond’s injuries have caused him a great deal of pain and discomfort, he was fortunate his injuries were not more serious or even fatal.

“This incident could easily have been prevented if the job had been planned properly and safety netting or scaffolding installed. Falls from height are the biggest cause of workplace deaths and it’s crucial that employers make sure sufficient measures are put in place to protect staff fromthe risks. There is no excuse for employers failing to safeguard workers who have to work at height.”

The Star was unable to reach Philip Saunders Building Contractors for comment.