A construction worker was seriously injured after he fell from a roof at Aspire Academy in Bexley. 

While carrying out refurbishment works on the roof, an unexpected flare from a gas gun caused one of the roofers to stumble backwards and fall. 

He suffered multiple fractures to both of his legs, requiring surgery. 

Two companies have been fined a total of £17,333 after they admitted breaching health and safety regulations. 

Property Facilities Group Ltd, based on Newman Road in Bromley, was appointed as the principal contractor to install a new roof at the school. 

But after the original contractor became unavailable to complete the work, Horizon Roofing Specialist Limited, based on Langham Road in Robertsbridge, was appointed. 

On September 29, 2020, three roofers began work on the modular building roof when the incident took place. 

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found the two companies had failed to adequately plan, appropriately supervise, and ensure that the work was carried out in a safe manner. 

HSE inspector Gemma Cox said: “Too many workers are injured every year as a result of falling from roofs with unprotected edges. The victim sustained serious injuries which could have been prevented if basic, industry standard control measures had been put in place. 

 At Westminster Magistrates’ Court on January 19, 2024, Property Facilities Group were ordered to pay a £14,000 fine and £1,619.25 costs after admitting breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.   

Horizon Roofing Specialist were fined £3,333 and told to pay £1,619.25 in costs as they admitted the same breach. 

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