Company Director Fined Following Serious Fall from Fragile Roof

Manchester, UK – A company director has been fined after a worker sustained serious injuries when he fell through a fragile roof at commercial premises in Bury. The incident, which occurred on 26th July 2021, has prompted the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to issue a stark reminder to businesses about the critical importance of managing risks associated with working at height, particularly on fragile surfaces.

Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard that the worker, an employee of an unnamed company, was carrying out roof repairs at a commercial unit on Bridge Hall Lane, Bury, when he stepped onto a fragile roof light and fell approximately four metres to the concrete floor below. The fall resulted in multiple fractures, including to his pelvis, wrist, and ribs, leading to significant hospitalisation and a prolonged period of recovery.

Investigation Reveals Gross Negligence

An investigation by the HSE uncovered serious deficiencies in the planning and execution of the work. It was revealed that the company director, who was directly involved in overseeing the work, failed to implement adequate safety measures to prevent falls from height. Specifically, the investigation found that:

  • No suitable and sufficient risk assessment had been carried out for the work involving fragile roofs.
  • There was a complete absence of appropriate fall protection measures, such as safety nets, guardrails, or crawling boards, which are essential when working on or near fragile roof materials.
  • Workers had not received adequate training or instruction on the hazards associated with fragile roofs or the safe systems of work required to mitigate these risks.
  • Supervision of the work was inadequate, allowing unsafe practices to continue unchecked.

The HSE inspector highlighted that the risks associated with fragile roofs are well-known within the construction and maintenance industries. Guidance on working at height, including specific advice on fragile surfaces, is readily available from the HSE and other industry bodies. This incident underscores the tragic consequences of failing to adhere to established safety protocols.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

The company director pleaded guilty to breaching Section 37(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. This section holds individuals responsible for health and safety offences committed by their company where it can be shown that the offence was committed with their consent or connivance, or was attributable to their neglect.

During sentencing on 14th June 2023, Manchester Magistrates’ Court fined the director £2,000 and ordered him to pay costs of £2,000. While the financial penalty reflects the court's view on the severity of the neglect, the human cost of such incidents is immeasurable, often leading to life-altering injuries for workers and significant distress for their families.

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HSE Inspector Rebecca Hamer commented after the hearing: “This incident could have been easily avoided had the director taken appropriate steps to plan and supervise the work effectively. Working on fragile roofs is inherently dangerous, and robust control measures are always required. Businesses and individuals with control over work at height must ensure that risks are properly assessed, and suitable safety measures are in place to prevent falls.”

The Broader Impact of Falls from Height

Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and major injuries in the UK. According to HSE statistics for 2022/23, 40 workers were killed as a result of a fall from height. Furthermore, thousands more suffer serious non-fatal injuries each year, leading to long-term health issues, loss of income, and significant impacts on quality of life.

The incident in Bury serves as a critical reminder that directors and those in positions of authority have a legal and moral obligation to ensure the safety of their workers. This responsibility extends to providing safe systems of work, appropriate equipment, and comprehensive training, particularly for high-risk activities such as working at height.

Employers are urged to review their working at height procedures regularly, ensuring they align with current legislation and best practice guidance. This includes conducting thorough risk assessments, implementing collective protective measures where possible (e.g., scaffolding, safety nets), and providing personal protective equipment (e.g., harnesses) as a last resort. Regular training and effective supervision are also paramount to fostering a strong safety culture and preventing similar incidents.

For businesses looking to enhance their understanding and compliance with health and safety regulations, particularly concerning working at height and other high-risk activities, comprehensive training is invaluable. Abertay Training offers a range of accredited courses designed to equip individuals and organisations with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure workplace safety. More information on their offerings can be found at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk.