Director prosecuted after worker’s death on site

ROOFING firm Watershed and its director have been prosecuted after a worker sadly died after falling through a fragile roof-light.

Self employed Barry Tyson suffered fatal head injuries after the fall while he was working to refurbish the flat roof of a school in Knaresborough.

The framework contractor Watershed and one of its directors Steven John Derham had instructed Mr Tyson to carry out necessary brickwork.

It had previously been decided that the roof-lights would remain uncovered because they were difficult to remove, despite potential safety fears.

Watershed (Roofing) Limited of Thornton Road in Bradford pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and were fined £80,000 and ordered to pay £39,381.32 in costs.

Mr Steven John Derham of Winterton Drive, Low Moor in Bradford pleaded guilty in his role as Director of the company and was fined £7000.

HSE Inspector Martin Hutton said: “Mr Tyson’s death was entirely preventable. The risks of falling through fragile materials are well known in industry and yet they remain an all-too-common occurrence.

“Control measures are often simple and cheap to install and companies must ensure they are put in place before workers are put at risk.

“Watershed and Mr Derham knew this but allowed work to continue without any protection measures. However, both defendants pleaded guilty at an early stage and have taken remedial action to prevent a recurrence.

“This case should also act as a reminder to Company Directors and Senior Managers of their responsibilities to workers, and that HSE will prosecute those who fail in their duty of care.

“Mr Tyson was a loving father, grandfather and husband and will be sadly missed by his family”