Roofing Firm Fined After Worker Falls Through Fragile Roof

A roofing company has been fined following a serious incident where a worker fell through a fragile roof, sustaining significant injuries. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) brought the prosecution after investigating the circumstances surrounding the fall, which exposed critical failings in work at height safety procedures.

The incident occurred on 10th October 2022, when employees of a roofing company were carrying out re-roofing work on an industrial building in the North West of England. During the operation, a worker stepped onto a fragile rooflight and fell approximately 4.5 metres to the concrete floor below. The individual suffered multiple fractures, including to their pelvis and ribs, requiring extensive hospital treatment and a prolonged period of recovery.

Investigation Reveals Systemic Safety Breaches

The HSE investigation found that the company had failed to adequately plan the work, properly supervise its employees, or provide appropriate safety measures to prevent falls from height. Specifically, it was determined that:

  • No suitable fall protection measures, such as safety nets, airbags, or scaffolding, were in place beneath the fragile rooflights.
  • The company had not conducted a thorough risk assessment specific to working on or near fragile roofs.
  • Workers had not received adequate training or instruction on identifying and safely navigating fragile roof surfaces.
  • Supervision was insufficient to ensure that safe working practices were being followed on site.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Matthew Lee commented, "Falls from height remain one of the biggest causes of workplace fatalities and major injuries in Great Britain, and working on fragile roofs presents a particularly high risk. This incident could have been easily prevented had the company implemented simple, well-known control measures and ensured their workers were adequately protected."

Legal Proceedings and Penalties

The company, whose name has been withheld pending further legal clarity, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. This section places a general duty on employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all their employees. The company was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,500 at a hearing held at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on 15th February 2024.

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The HSE emphasised that employers have a legal duty to assess the risks associated with work at height and to put in place appropriate control measures. This includes ensuring that work is properly planned, supervised, and carried out by competent people. For fragile roofs, this often means avoiding access where possible, using staging or platforms, or providing appropriate fall arrest systems.

Preventing Future Incidents: A Call for Robust Safety Measures

This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of robust health and safety management, particularly when undertaking high-risk activities such as work at height. The financial penalties and reputational damage incurred by companies failing to meet their obligations can be substantial, but the human cost of serious injury or fatality is immeasurable.

The HSE continues to prioritise inspections and enforcement action in sectors where work at height is prevalent. Employers are urged to review their current safety arrangements, particularly concerning work on or near fragile surfaces, and to ensure full compliance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Guidance on working safely on roofs can be found on the HSE website, which provides detailed advice on planning, equipment, and training requirements.

Effective training is paramount to preventing such incidents. Companies seeking to enhance their understanding of work at height regulations and best practices, including comprehensive risk assessment and the implementation of control measures, can find valuable resources and courses through providers like Abertay Training at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk.