College fined over window cleaner’s roof fall – health and safety

Lincoln College has been fined £1,500 after a window cleaner working at the campus fell from a roof.

James Theaker, a 50-year-old from the city, suffered broken ribs and a serious back injury in the accident, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) confirmed.

As a result of his fall, Mr Theaker was forced to take months off work and can still only perform "restricted duties" in his job.

Lincoln College pleaded guilty to not carrying out a sufficient risk assessment during a hearing at the city’s Magistrates Court on Wednesday (May 12th).

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HSE inspector Judith McNulty-Green said the institution had failed in its legal duty to its contractors had implemented proper procedures

She reminded companies they had a joint responsibility to carry out these checks and "ensure the safety of all staff who work on site".

The independent regulator cites its mission as aiming to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries among the UK’s workforce.

By Hayley Edwards