A farmer has been fined in Carlow District Court today, Thursday, July 2, after pleading guilty to breaching health and safety regulations which resulted in the “very serious injury” of a roofing contractor, according to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).
Today at Carlow District Court, Judge Geraldine Carthy imposed a fine of €1,500 and prosecution costs of €1,500 on a farmer near Tullow, Co. Carlow, for breaches of health and safety legislation.
The farmer pleaded guilty to Regulation 6 (1) (b) of the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013, as it relates to Section 77 (2) (c) of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
The prosecution arose after an accident that occurred on November 23, 2018, on a farm building under construction near Tullow, Co. Carlow.
The farmer pleaded guilty to the charge, in that he failed to appoint a Project Supervisor Construction Stage (PSCS).
According to the HSA, the role of a PSCS is to coordinate the various construction work activities in such a way as to ensure the safety of all persons on site and compliance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013.
A particular requirement is to develop the Construction Stage Safety and Health Plan with specific measures concerning work that involves particular risk such as working at a height/roof work.
Additional requirements include the coordination of contractors’ safe working procedures and ensuring all persons on site are in possession of a valid Construction Safety Awareness Registration Card (Safe Pass) and, where required, a Construction Skills Registration Card Scheme Card (CSCS).
Mark Cullen, assistant chief executive of the HSA, said that this particular case highlighted the importance of taking the appropriate safety measures.
The self-employed roofing contractor suffered very serious injuries following an incident which could have been prevented if the appropriate steps were taken by the client.
“I strongly urge all clients and duty holders to prioritise safety on-site and ensure the necessary planning is undertaken and the required precautions are in place,” the assistant chief executive said.
“Failure to do so in this situation led to very serious consequences for the worker concerned.”