Ðǿմ«Ã½ firm fined after worker suffered life-changing injuries when he fell from a roof

A builder has been fined £8,000 after a worker lost an eye and suffered traumatic brain injury.

Gwyndaf Davies, who was 21 at the time of the incident, was helping to re-roof a building at Penwerddu Farm, Boncath in April last year. He fell through the roof to the concrete floor below, suffering multiple facial fractures, a traumatic brain injury and multiple spine fractures.

His employer, Delme L James Ltd, was yesterday fined £8,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,200 for failing to take preventative steps against workers falling from height.

Davies spent nine months as an in-patient at Morriston hospital and has undergone significant facial reconstructive surgery and eye surgery. According to the Health and Safety Executive he has been left with “lasting effects of a traumatic brain injury, blind in one eye and partially sighted in the other. He has limited speech and cannot walk without aid.â€

An HSE statement continued: “Gwyndaf continues to receive intensive physiotherapy and speech therapy, and it is likely he will require significant care for the rest of his life.â€

HSE inspector, Anne Marie Orrells, said: “This situation could so easily have been prevented and Mr Davies and his family are still trying to come to terms with the lasting effects of what has happened.â€

Mr Davies had worked for the company since leaving school.