Greater Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard how, on 7 November 2017, Michael Anthony Roden (who also trades as M&R Roofing and Onyx Roofing) and his employee were contracted to carry out roof replacement work at Wheildons Butchers, Manchester.

Roden failed to implement any form of edge protection or scaffolding whilst the roofing work was carried out and did not have employers’ liability compulsory insurance.

An HSE investigation found that Roden had previously been served with two prohibition notices on two separate occasions with regards to working from a height with no suitable edge protection.

Despite this he continued to work without appropriate scaffolding and, in doing so, put himself and his employee at risk of a fall from height, as well as members of the public who were at risk from any falling materials.

Roden of Droylsden, Manchester pleaded guilty to breaching safety regulations and was sentenced to six months imprisonment suspended for two years, 240 hours community service and ordered to pay costs of £4,600.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Matt Greenly said: “This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply having the correct control measures and safe working practices in place.

“Mr Roden chose to save money by not having scaffolding and in doing so put his life at risk as well as the lives of his employee and visitors to the butcher’s shop.

“Companies and individuals should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”