Company Director Fined Following Serious Fall Through Fragile Roof

Manchester, UK – A company director has been fined after a worker sustained serious injuries when he fell through a fragile roof light. The incident, which occurred on 28th April 2022 at an industrial unit in Dukinfield, Greater Manchester, has prompted renewed calls from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for stringent adherence to work at height regulations.

Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard that Mr. David Hughes, director of DJ Hughes (Building Contractors) Ltd, was overseeing roofing work at the unit. During the course of the work, a sub-contracted worker stepped onto a roof light and fell approximately six metres to the concrete floor below. The fall resulted in multiple fractures to his spine, pelvis, and ribs, along with a fractured wrist, leading to significant and long-term health implications.

Failure to Plan and Supervise Work at Height

An investigation by the HSE revealed a severe lack of planning, supervision, and appropriate safety measures for the work being carried out at height. It was found that Mr. Hughes had failed to properly assess the risks associated with working on a fragile roof and had not implemented adequate precautions to prevent falls.

HSE Inspector Rebecca Hamer commented on the case, stating, “Falls from height remain one of the biggest causes of fatalities and major injuries in the workplace, and the risks associated with fragile roofs are well-known within the construction industry. This incident could have been easily avoided had Mr. Hughes properly planned the work and put in place appropriate safeguards, such as safety netting or staging.”

The investigation highlighted several critical failings:

  • No suitable and sufficient risk assessment was carried out for working on the fragile roof.
  • No measures were in place to prevent workers from falling through fragile roof lights.
  • There was a complete absence of an adequate system of work to ensure the safety of those working at height.
  • Supervision of the work was insufficient, allowing unsafe practices to occur.

These omissions directly contravened the Work at Height Regulations 2005, which mandate that all work at height must be properly planned, appropriately supervised, and carried out by competent persons. The regulations also require that suitable work equipment is selected and used to prevent falls.

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Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Mr. David Hughes of Mottram Old Road, Mottram, Hyde, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 37(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. On 10th May 2024, Manchester Magistrates’ Court ordered him to pay a fine of £2,666 and costs of £5,500.

Speaking after the hearing, Inspector Hamer reiterated the HSE's commitment to enforcing safety standards. “Directors have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure that their companies operate safely. This case serves as a stark reminder that individuals in positions of control will be held accountable when their failures lead to serious harm. Workers should be able to go home safely at the end of their shift, and it is imperative that duty holders understand and implement their obligations under health and safety law.”

The HSE continues to provide extensive guidance and resources on working at height, including specific advice on fragile roofs. Employers and self-employed individuals are urged to review their practices and ensure all necessary precautions are in place to prevent similar incidents.

This prosecution underscores the significant consequences of neglecting health and safety duties, not only for the injured worker but also for those responsible for ensuring a safe working environment. Businesses are reminded that robust safety management systems are not merely a regulatory burden but a fundamental component of responsible business operation, protecting lives and livelihoods.

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