Paper maker fined after fatal roof fall

Thomas Sturrock was working for a contract cleaning firm at Tullis Russell Papermaker's warehouse in Markinch, Fife, in September 2008. When Tullis Russell instructed the contractor to clean the roof, it failed to ensure the work was properly planned and organised and did not control or monitor the way the contractor's employees were working. The contractor advised the manufacturer that the team would use crawling boards on the roof, but they were not used and Tullis Russell took no steps to check they were used. Tullis Russell was found guilty of breaching section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 at Kirkaldy Sheriff Court. Following the case, HSE inspector Mac Young said: "Thomas Sturrock might be alive today if simple safety measures had been put in place. If Tullis Russell had ensured the contractor's activities were monitored, then it is possible the incident with Mr Sturrock may have been prevented. "Tullis Russell Papermakers had a duty to ensure the safety of everyone on their site – whether working directly for them or not. Companies must make sure work contractors do for them is properly planned and organised, and monitor what actually happens when the work takes place." The case against the contractor remains under consideration.