Director Fined After Worker’s Fatal Fall at Norfolk Farm
NORWICH, UK – A company director has been ordered to pay a substantial fine and costs after a worker suffered fatal injuries in a fall through a fragile roof at a farm in Norfolk. The incident, investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), underscores the critical importance of robust safety measures when working at height, particularly on aged structures.
Mr. Ian Robert Johnson, director of I R Johnson (Farm Services) Ltd, was sentenced at Norwich Crown Court on 13th May 2024. The court heard that on 24th June 2020, 56-year-old Mr. Andrew Ward was carrying out roof repairs at a farm in Hainford, Norfolk, when he fell approximately 5.8 metres through a fragile roof light. Mr. Ward tragically died from his injuries on 12th July 2020.
Investigation Reveals Critical Safety Lapses
The HSE’s investigation into the incident revealed a series of significant failings in the planning and execution of the work. It was determined that Mr. Johnson, as the director responsible, failed to ensure that the work at height was properly planned, appropriately supervised, and carried out safely. Specifically, there was no suitable and sufficient risk assessment for the work, and no adequate measures were in place to prevent falls through the fragile roof or roof lights.
The court was told that Mr. Ward had been working alone on the roof, replacing asbestos cement sheets. He was not provided with any fall prevention or fall arrest equipment, nor were there any safety nets or crawl boards in use. The absence of these fundamental safety precautions directly contributed to the tragic outcome.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Jane Gard said: “This was a tragic and wholly avoidable death, caused by the failure of the director to properly plan and manage the work at height. Working on fragile roofs is notoriously dangerous, and employers have a clear duty to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent falls. This case serves as a stark reminder that robust risk assessments and appropriate safety equipment are not optional extras, but fundamental requirements when working at height.”
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Legal Outcome and Penalties
Mr. Ian Robert Johnson pleaded guilty to breaching Section 37(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. He was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay costs of £10,000. This prosecution highlights the personal responsibility that company directors hold for ensuring the health and safety of their employees and others affected by their operations.
The Health and Safety Executive continues to emphasise that falls from height remain one of the biggest causes of workplace fatalities and major injuries in the UK. In 2022/23, falls from height accounted for 40 of the 135 worker fatalities, making it the leading cause of death. This persistent statistic underscores the need for continuous vigilance and adherence to established safety protocols.
Employers and individuals involved in work at height are urged to review the HSE’s guidance on fragile roofs and working at height to ensure compliance with legal requirements and best practice. This includes conducting thorough risk assessments, implementing suitable control measures such as guardrails, safety nets, personal fall protection systems, and ensuring adequate supervision and training for all personnel involved.
For businesses seeking to enhance their understanding of workplace safety regulations and best practices, particularly concerning working at height and other high-risk activities, comprehensive training is invaluable. Abertay Training offers a wide range of accredited health and safety courses designed to equip individuals and organisations with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent incidents and ensure compliance. More information can be found at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk.