HSE was alerted after workers had been observed carrying out roof replacement work without any scaffolding in place.
The regulator identified unsafe work on a domestic roof being worked on by Steven Hendry – trading as Apex Roofing & Property Services at the time – leading the inspector to serve a prohibition notice against him.
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As a result, further information was requested from Hendry. However, he failed to comply with the request, which was made under Section 20 of the Health and Safety at Work Act.
HSE guidance states that individuals and companies must cooperate with inspections and investigations.
According to the regulator, Hendry was verbally abusive towards the inspector, ignored the request for further information, and continued working without scaffolding, despite the prohibition notice.
Hendry, from Cornwall, did not attend court and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
HSE defines work-related violence as “any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work”. This can include verbal abuse or threats, including face-to-face, online and via telephone, and physical attacks.
It can also include violence from members of the public, customers, clients, patients, service users and students towards a person at work.
Hendry pleaded guilty to section 20(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, Section 20(c).
He was fined £400 and ordered to pay costs of £3,852 at Plymouth Magistrates Court.
The court also approved an application made by HSE under s.42 of HSWA for Hendry to provide the information previously requested under Section 20.
He has until 1 March 2026 to comply with the request.
HSE inspector Hatti Shipp said: “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 to HSE and its powers, he was also verbally abusive to me in the process.”
