Boss in Hot Water over Employee Death
In a completely preventable incident, a 20 year old roofer, Darren Hoofe, died after falling from a height of 6 meters. He was injured after falling from a roof, and died later at a hospital. He was not wearing a safety belt and safety boots. Even a safety net was not being used, as per regulations.
His employer, Colin Cooper, 48, proprietor of Hailsham-based IC Roofing Ltd, did not admit homicide caused by his oversight. He however, admitted not having guaranteed the safety of workers under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Cooper, of London Road, Hailsham, was the sole proprietor and shareholder of the company.
Though the firm had 8 workers at the time of the accident, only 2 safety belts were provided to the victim and the others working with him. Copper had not judged the safety hazards accurately and subsequently did not have the proper safety measures in place. He had not though that an accident could cause injury or even death.
The victim was a novice and had not received sufficient training. It is said that the tragic incident could be completely avoided if his employer had recognized the safety hazards involved in the job. The court case continues this week.
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