The HSE received a concern after workers had been observed carrying out roof replacement work without any scaffolding being in place. The regulator identified unsafe work on a domestic roof being worked on by Steven Hendry, 40, from Liskeard, leading HSE inspector, Hatti Shipp, to serve a prohibition notice against him.
As a result, further information was requested from Hendry, however, he failed to comply with the request, which was made under Section 20 of the Health and Safety at Work Act. HSE guidance states that individuals and companies must co-operate with inspections and investigations.
Hendry, trading as Apex Roofing & Property Services at the time, was verbally abusive towards the inspector. As well as ignoring the request for further information, he went on to do further work without scaffolding, completely ignoring the prohibition notice. He then chose not to attend court and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
HSE defines work-related violence as ‘any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work’. This can include verbal abuse or threats, including face to face, online and via telephone and physical attacks. It can include violence from members of the public, customers, clients, patients, service users and students towards a person at work.
Steven Hendry, t/a Apex Roofing & Property Services of Liskeard, pleaded guilty to section 20(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, Section 20(c). He was fined £400 and ordered to pay costs of £3,852. The court also approved an application made by HSE under s.42 of HSWA for Hendry to provide the information requested by them under section 20. He has until 1st March 2026 in which to do this.
HSE Inspector, Hatti Shipp, said, “Part of our role to prevent further risk of injury is to follow-up with companies or individuals who work unsafely, ensuring they are held accountable for improving conditions for workers and demonstrating to the HSE that they have done so. In this case, the defendant made it impossible for us to conduct this work and confirm the safety of those he was paying to undertake roof work. Not only did Hendry demonstrate a flagrant disregard to HSE and its powers, he was also verbally abusive to me in the process.”
Assurity Consulting are leading experts in workplace health, safety and environmental compliance. For more information on our services, and how we can help you, please contact us on tel. +44 (0)1403 269375 or email us.
