A ROOFER caught working without safety equipment on a roof in Pendle tried to shout down a health and safety inspector, a court heard.

Ross Singleton, 23, and colleagues were working above the Deb N Hair salon in Skipton Road, Barrowford, when inspector Jacqueline Western arrived, Reedley Magistrates' Court was told.

Singleton became ‘aggresive and hostile’ when the inspector told him his working practices were unsafe, the court heard.

Miss Western, prosecuting on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive, said she imposed a prohibition notice on the operation, on the grounds it posed a risk to not only the workmen but customers of the hair salon and nearby post office.

But when she returned, the repairs were still continuing. The workers were using flame lamps and gas bottles to remove a roof on the shop’s extension but there was no protection.

Singleton, of Dickson Street, Colne, who trades as Ross’s Roofing, went to hire a tower scaffold but it was not high enough to cover the works.

Defence solicitor Christian Kavanagh said his client felt that the job was ‘low risk’ but had taken steps once the inspector visited. The roof had been removed so he believed he needed to complete the job to prevent a flooding risk at the premises.

And the HSE, which tried to claim more than £3,000 in costs for bringing the case, came under fire from Mr Kavanagh.

He told the court the 34 hours the case was said to have taken to prepare had left him ‘dumbfounded’.

Magistrates chairman Cartmel said the Bench was impressed by the enterprise of the 23-year-old, who ran his own company, but there was risk to passers-by and workers.

Singleton, who admitted contravening health and safety advice and a prohibition notice, was fined £350 with just £300 costs.

Speaking after the hearing, inspector Western said: "Dozens of people die every year as a result of a fall while at work. Roofers should treat the risks seriously and take action to make sure workers stay safe."