Firm Fined Following Worker’s Fatal Roof Fall
A company has been fined £183,000 after a worker cleaning guttering died after falling through the roof of a warehouse in Edinburgh.
Ipsum Drainage Limited admitted an offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act for failing to conduct a risk assessment or implement adequate safety measures before the death of Ross Hanratty in October 2022.
An investigation found that the Glasgow-based company, located in Hillington Park, did not identify fragile sections of the roof at the Seafield Industrial Estate prior to Hanratty, aged 28, falling 24 feet through the roof.
Ipsum Drainage Limited has been contacted for comment.
The investigation was carried out jointly by City of Edinburgh Council and Police Scotland.
The council's regulatory committee convener, Councillor Neil Ross, described the incident as a "tragic accident that could have been prevented."
During the investigation, it was established that Hanratty was new to his role and had no prior experience working at heights.
Although he was wearing a harness while working alone on the roof on the morning of 27 October 2022, the harness was not connected.
Hanratty fell through a section of the roof above the Rembrand Timber warehouse, which was outside the scope of the work Ipsum was contracted to perform.
The investigation revealed that Hanratty had not been informed by Ipsum about this and was unaware of the specific section he was meant to be working on.
He died as a result of the injuries sustained in the fall.
Councillor Ross extended the council's sympathies to Hanratty's family.
"Mr Hanratty was not provided with the necessary safety information, instruction, and equipment to keep him safe whilst working at height," he said.
"Falls from height are the most common cause of death and serious injury to people at work. Falls through fragile roofing materials account for many of these deaths.
These incidents can be prevented if reasonably practicable measures are put in place to protect workers," he added.
