The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prosecuted a Carmarthenshire cladding company after a worker plunged through a skylight in a workplace accident at a retail store.

In August 2005, Stephen Armstrong-Esther was employed by Ammex Ltd – based in Pontyberem – and was recladding a roof at the Parc Trostre retail outlet in Llanelli.

He was carrying a roof panel with a colleague when he fell almost four metres through an unprotected skylight onto a mezzanine floor below. Mr Armstrong-Esther sustained serious injuries, including fractures to his ribs and back, nerve damage to his leg and was left with memory and hearing loss.

On Tuesday (30/03/10) at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court, Ammex Ltd pleaded guilty to charges brought under Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £6,750 costs.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Anne Marie Orrells said that The HSE was currently carrying out visits in Wales to highlight the possible dangers involved in refurbishment and roofing work.

‘This case has concluded at a time when HSE is reminding those in the construction industry of the dangers of working at height and the devastating effects of slips trips and falls through its Shattered Lives campaign,’ said Ms Orrells.

‘Mr Armstrong-Esther has suffered long lasting effects from his injuries since the incident – which is now four years ago and which could have been prevented.

‘Openings such as skylights in roofs must have suitable protection around them to prevent workers from falling into them,’ she added.

HSE data shows that, in 2008-09, one worker died and 243 were injured as a result of a slip, trip or fall in the construction industry in Wales.

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