Thu, 20 Jun 2019
Barrister Tim Pole, of No5 Barristers’ Chambers, has represented Sandwell Roofing Ltd before Wolverhampton Crown Court following a fatal fall from a roof.
The incident happened nearly four years ago in Norton Canes at the Norton Aluminium foundry during a roof refurbishment project. A scaffolder was fatally injured after falling approximately 11.5 metres on September 19, 2015.
Sandwell Roofing Limited, of New Wood Farm Stourton, near Stourbridge, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £41,125. The company must also pay costs of £33,000.
Following a two-day Newton and sentencing hearing, Tim Pole was able to reduce the costs and fine sought by the HSE. He was further able to secure a significant period for payment.
He said: “The case was complex and required in-depth knowledge of the Health and Safety Definitive Guideline and the deployment of a number of complex arguments in relation to the interpretation of the guidelines.”
Stephen John Brennan, trading as SB Scaffolding, of Lorimer Way, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was handed a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He must also carry out 180 hours of unpaid community service and pay costs of £14,000.
Tim Pole is a specialist in health and safety law and environmental law.
