Multiple health & safety failings have landed 2 construction company directors in prison.
The incident happened back in July 2018 when a 60 year old worker fell two storeys from a ladder to his death. At the time of the incident the worker had been hired as a subcontacted roofer by Southern Asphalt Ltd.
The Safety Failings
A ladder secured by only 2 hammered nails into a wooden plinth was the beginning of the end for the roofer, an inspection highlighted many failings including a lack of scaffolding or barriers to protect those working at height.
The Prosecution
Both John Spiller of Southern Asphalt Ltd (left) and Steven Wenham of Total Contractors (right) were prosecuted and jailed this month.
John Spiller, aged 52 was jailed for 15 months for failings under the health & safety at work act regarding failure to properly safeguard against serious injury or death from a fall from height. His company Southern Asphalt was fined £120,000 and ordered to pay costs of £20,000 and victim surcharge of £170.
Steven Wenham, aged 48 was sentenced to five years in prison under the same charges plus gross negligence manslaughter. His company Total Contractors were fined £190,000 and ordered to pay costs of £30,000.
