Roofing Firm Fined After Worker's Serious Fall from Height
A roofing company has been significantly fined following a serious incident where a worker fell through a fragile roof, sustaining life-altering injuries. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) brought the prosecution, highlighting crucial failures in planning and supervision of work at height.
Liverpool Magistrates’ Court heard that on 21 April 2021, employees of the roofing firm were undertaking re-roofing work at premises in Wallasey, Merseyside. During the course of the work, one of the employees fell approximately six metres through a fragile rooflight to the concrete floor below. The worker suffered multiple fractures, including to his pelvis, ribs, and vertebrae, requiring extensive hospitalisation and ongoing rehabilitation. The incident has left him with permanent disabilities, severely impacting his ability to work and his quality of life.
The HSE investigation revealed that the company had failed to adequately plan the work, which involved replacing fragile rooflights. There was no suitable fall protection in place, such as safety nets or boards over the rooflights, nor was there a clear system for working safely on or near fragile surfaces. Furthermore, the workers had not received sufficient training or instruction on the specific risks associated with fragile roofs and the precautions required.
Investigation Uncovers Critical Safety Lapses
During the court proceedings, the HSE inspector detailed the numerous shortcomings identified. It was established that the company did not have a robust risk assessment for working on fragile roofs, a common hazard in the construction industry. Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 stipulates that 'Every employer shall ensure that work at height is (a) properly planned; (b) appropriately supervised; and (c) carried out in a manner which is so far as is reasonably practicable safe.' The investigation concluded that the company had breached these fundamental duties.
The court heard that simple, readily available measures could have prevented the incident. These include the use of crawling boards, safety netting, or a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) to access the roof without directly traversing fragile areas. The absence of such basic controls demonstrated a systemic failure to manage risks effectively.
Related training: If you are looking to qualify as a trainer in this area, see conflict management trainer courses or explore cyber security trainer courses for nationally recognised UK and Ireland qualifications.
In a statement, the HSE inspector commented, “This incident was entirely preventable. Falls from height remain one of the biggest causes of fatalities and serious injuries in the construction sector. Companies working on roofs, especially those involving fragile materials, must ensure that they have robust planning, appropriate equipment, and trained personnel. The consequences of failing to do so, as seen in this case, can be devastating for workers and their families.”
Company Pleads Guilty and Receives Significant Fine
The roofing company pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Taking into account the severity of the injuries, the company’s previous safety record (or lack thereof), and its culpability, Liverpool Magistrates’ Court imposed a fine of £30,000. In addition to the fine, the company was ordered to pay costs of £5,200.
This prosecution serves as a stark reminder to all businesses, particularly those in the construction and roofing sectors, of their legal and moral obligations to protect their workforce. The HSE continues its campaign to reduce falls from height, emphasising that proper planning, supervision, and the provision of suitable equipment are paramount. Employers are encouraged to review their work at height procedures and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations to prevent similar tragedies.
For businesses looking to enhance their health and safety compliance and ensure their staff are adequately trained for work at height and other critical safety areas, Abertay Training offers a comprehensive range of accredited courses and consultancy services. More information can be found at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk.