Story Highlight
- Employer fined over £15,000 after roofer’s fatal fall.
- Matthew Ryan, 33, died in St Cyrus while removing a skylight.
- Andrew Kenyon admitted health and safety failings in court.
- Ryan’s widow expressed deep emotional impact of his loss.
- The incident was investigated by the Health and Safety Executive.
Full Story
An Aberdeenshire employer has received a fine exceeding £15,000 following the death of a roofer who fell from a roof edge in St Cyrus. Matthew Ryan, aged 33, suffered fatal injuries while removing a skylight on 13 March 2024.
Andrew Kenyon, 40, operating as Stonehaven Roofing Services, admitted to health and safety breaches at Aberdeen Sheriff Court. The court imposed a fine of £14,000 alongside a victim surcharge of £1,050.
Following the conviction, Ryan’s widow, Nicola Pert, expressed her grief, stating, “His loss is something I don’t think I’ll ever fully come to terms with.” Pert, who was married to Ryan for five years and had been with him for a total of 12 years, paid tribute to him, recalling their time spent together, including their travels across the UK. She described Ryan as “hard-working, funny, reliable and a motoring enthusiast” and expressed sorrow over the future they could have shared.
Pert remarked that the circumstances surrounding her husband’s death were entirely preventable and noted the profound impact the accident had on both their families. She also acknowledged the importance of the conviction, stating, “It is however right that justice is done and this early admission of guilt at least spares us additional unnecessary anguish.”
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) conducted an investigation into the incident, leading to the recent court proceedings.
Source: read the original report.
What this means for your site
The tragic death of a roofer in Aberdeenshire highlights critical failings in health and safety compliance that could have been mitigated. Employers should ensure that proper safety measures are in place, particularly regarding working at heights. The relevant legislation includes the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which establishes general duties for employers to ensure the safety and welfare of employees, and the Work at Height Regulations 2005, which mandate that employers must take steps to prevent falls and provide adequate fall protection systems.
To prevent similar incidents, site managers should implement regular safety audits to identify and rectify potential hazards associated with working at height. Additionally, training sessions should be conducted to ensure all workers understand safe practices and the correct use of personal protective equipment. A comprehensive risk assessment should be performed prior to commencing any roofing work, ensuring that appropriate fall protection measures, such as guardrails or safety nets, are utilized. These steps will not only enhance safety but also foster a culture of health and safety awareness on site.
