Man fell through farm roof doing uninsured work

An uninsured business owner has been given a suspended prison sentence after a man suffered life-changing injuries falling through a roof.

Gary Saville, from Preesall, Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire, had told Jacob Black to replace skylights on a farm in Pilling, Preston, on the 17 June 2024, but he fell through the roof.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said Saville, 54, had told Black, 31, to walk across the surface, without safety measures. He also admitted to having no Employers' Liability Compulsory Insurance.

On Tuesday at Warrington Magistrates Court, Saville was given a 12-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months, and told to complete 260 hours of unpaid work. He was fined £700.

Black, from Preesall, was taken to Preston Hospital by air ambulance as a result of the fall.

He needed to two lung operations, collarbone surgery and sustained multiple bone fractures.

"I have always been an active person and prior to the accident I cycled and used to enjoy walking with the family," he said in a victim statement.

"Now I am unable to walk long distances, and it has to be flat as I become very breathless.

"I also have restricted movement due to the communal fractures of the shoulder, which has caused poor movement in my right arm and makes everyday things, such as using a knife and fork and carrying items much more difficult."

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Paul Taylor said: "Falls from height remain the leading cause of fatalities and serious injuries in UK workplaces and Mr Black is lucky to be alive.

"Nobody should be put at risk through the failures of those in charge."

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