Story Highlights
– Roofer Steven Hendry ignored HSE prohibition notice.
– Verbal abuse directed at HSE inspector reported.
– Failed to attend court; arrest warrant issued.
– Fined £400, ordered to pay £3,852 costs.
– Must provide requested information by March 2026.
Full Story
A roofer from Cornwall has received a court sentence for endangering the safety of his workers by neglecting essential safety regulations. Steven Hendry, who operates under the name Apex Roofing & Property Services, has been found guilty of multiple breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act.
The actions leading to the prosecution came to light after the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) received a report concerning unsafe work practices on a residential property. Observers noticed that Hendry’s crew was conducting roof replacement activities without any scaffolding installed, a clear violation of health and safety standards. As part of their investigation, HSE Inspector Hatti Shipp issued a prohibition notice aimed at halting any unsafe operations on the site.
Despite the prohibition notice, Hendry failed to provide the additional information requested by the HSE, which is mandated under Section 20 of the Health and Safety at Work Act. This section establishes the necessity for individuals and businesses to facilitate inquiries from safety inspectors to uphold compliance measures. Compounding the situation, Hendry did not merely disregard the request for information but opted to continue his work without addressing the safety measures mandated by the HSE.
Furthermore, during the inspection process, Hendry exhibited confrontational behavior, directing verbal abuse towards Inspector Shipp. Such conduct is defined by the HSE as a form of work-related violence, which includes verbal threats and abuse that can occur in various forms—face-to-face, online, or through phone interactions. This type of aggression towards health and safety officials can undermine efforts to ensure workplace safety and compliance.
In light of his actions, Hendry faced legal repercussions and subsequently chose to miss his court appearance, leading to a warrant being issued for his arrest. Ultimately, he was summoned to Plymouth Magistrates Court, where he pleaded guilty to charges related to his failure to comply with safety regulations.
On 25 November 2025, the court ordered him to pay a £400 fine in addition to covering costs amounting to £3,852. Importantly, the court also supported the HSE’s application to compel Hendry to fulfil the information request, stipulating that he must comply by 1 March 2026.
HSE Inspector Hatti Shipp remarked on the case, stating, “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 for HSE and its powers, he was also verbally abusive to me in the process.”
The prosecution illustrates larger concerns surrounding workplace safety, particularly in the construction sector, where risks associated with working at height present significant dangers. Statistics from the HSE reveal that in 2024/25, 35 individuals lost their lives due to incidents related to working at height in the UK. The HSE provides stringent guidelines aimed at ensuring safe working conditions in such environments, highlighting the importance of compliance with safety protocols.
In regional contexts like Cornwall, where the construction industry plays a vital role in the local economy, ensuring adherence to safety regulations is crucial not just for compliance but for the protection of workers’ lives. Violations not only jeopardise the health and safety of employees but can also inflict damage on the credibility of local businesses.
The enforcement of health and safety guidelines by authorities like the HSE is pivotal for maintaining safety standards. Industry experts argue that proactive measures, along with robust compliance checks, are essential to foster a safer working environment in construction. They encourage businesses to develop a culture of safety, where workers and management alike recognise the importance of adhering to established safety practices.
While the courts have a role in penalising violations, the collaborative engagement between inspectors and businesses is fundamental in preventing future breaches. The emphasis must be on education and compliance rather than reactionary legal measures. Industry associations and regulatory bodies continue to extend their resources and support to ensure that companies understand their obligations and take the necessary steps to safeguard their workers.
The case of Steven Hendry serves as a stark reminder of the repercussions that can arise from disregarding health and safety regulations. It underscores the critical importance of cooperation between contracting companies and regulatory bodies in promoting workplace safety, emphasising that through collective effort, incidents of workplace injury can be reduced significantly.
Our Thoughts
The incident involving the Cornish roofer, Steven Hendry, highlights significant violations of UK health and safety regulations, particularly the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. To avoid such situations, Hendry should have adhered to the prohibition notice issued by the HSE and ensured compliance with the request for information about the unsafe working conditions.
Key safety lessons include the necessity of proper scaffolding and fall protection when working at height, as mandated by the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Regular training and awareness for workers about compliance and safe practices could prevent such negligence. The failure to cooperate with HSE inspectors not only poses immediate risks to worker safety but also undermines regulatory authority.
Moreover, Hendry’s verbal abuse towards the HSE inspector constitutes a breach of workplace violence standards outlined by HSE. To prevent similar occurrences, construction businesses must foster a culture of respect for regulatory bodies and prioritize safety. Implementing robust reporting mechanisms and enhancing communication with health and safety regulators can further mitigate risks and ensure compliance.
