A recent court case in Northern Ireland has once again highlighted the critical importance of proper risk assessments in the workplace.
In June 2025, at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court, a Coleraine-based cleaning company, NII Clean Limited, was fined £4,000 after pleading guilty to breaching health and safety legislation. The company’s failing? They neglected to complete a suitable and sufficient risk assessment prior to undertaking high-risk work at a property in Portglenone.
This oversight had serious consequences. One of their employees, Mr Sean Duncan, suffered multiple injuries after falling approximately three metres from a flat roof while preparing for a roof-cleaning task. He was airlifted to hospital as a result of the fall. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) concluded that the incident occurred due to the absence of a thorough risk assessment – a legal requirement designed to protect employees from foreseeable harm.
Following the case, HSENI Inspector Kiara Blackburn commented:
“Employers have a duty to ensure all work activities are adequately risk assessed and that risk assessments are suitable and sufficient, and applicable to the job in question.”
The Lesson for Every Business Owner
This incident serves as a sobering reminder to all businesses, regardless of industry: cutting corners on health and safety can have devastating consequences — both human and financial. Beyond the immediate risk of injury to employees, businesses face prosecution, significant fines, damage to their reputation, and operational disruption when they fail to comply with legal safety requirements.
Why Choose Consult CPK?
At Consult CPK, we believe health and safety should never be an afterthought. We provide bespoke risk assessments, tailored to the specific needs of your business and the particular activities you undertake. Our professional consultants help you identify hazards, assess risks, and implement practical control measures, ensuring your workforce is protected and your business remains compliant with current legislation.
Choosing Consult CPK means:
- Experienced, Chartered Professionals who understand the complexities of workplace safety
- Clear, straightforward advice without the jargon
- Prompt and reliable service tailored to your deadlines
- Affordable solutions designed to safeguard your people and your business
- Peace of mind that your legal obligations are being fully met
Do not wait for an incident to expose gaps in your safety procedures. Protect your business, your employees, and your reputation by having suitable and sufficient risk assessments in place — properly documented, properly communicated, and regularly reviewed.
Consult CPK – Professional, Practical, Compliant.
📞 Get in touch today to book your consultation and take the first step towards a safer workplace.
