Roofing Firm Penalised Following Serious Fall from Height Incident

A West Midlands roofing company has been significantly fined after one of its employees suffered severe injuries in a fall through a fragile rooflight. The incident, which occurred on 27 February 2020, highlighted critical failings in work at height safety procedures.

Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court heard how the employee was undertaking roofing work at premises in Wolverhampton when they fell approximately 6.5 metres through a fragile rooflight to the concrete floor below. The worker sustained multiple serious injuries, including a fractured pelvis, fractured ribs, and a fractured wrist, necessitating extensive medical treatment and a prolonged period of recovery.

HSE Investigation Uncovers Safety Lapses

An investigation conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) meticulously examined the circumstances leading to the fall. The findings revealed that the company had failed to adequately plan the work, properly supervise the tasks, or implement sufficient safety measures to prevent falls from height. Specifically, the HSE identified that the firm had not provided suitable edge protection, safety netting, or other fall arrest systems that are standard practice when working on fragile roofs.

During the court proceedings, the HSE inspector detailed how the company’s risk assessment was inadequate and did not properly identify the risks associated with working on fragile roof surfaces. Furthermore, it was established that the workers had not received appropriate training or instruction regarding the specific hazards of fragile roofs and the necessary precautions to take.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Sarah Charles stated, “Falls from height remain one of the biggest causes of fatalities and serious injuries in the workplace. This incident could have been easily avoided had the company implemented the correct control measures and safe working practices. Employers must ensure that all work at height is properly planned, appropriately supervised, and carried out safely.”

Legal Ramifications and Penalties

The company, whose name has been withheld pending further legal updates, 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.

Related training: If you are looking to qualify as a trainer in this area, see COSHH assessor training or explore DSE assessor training for nationally recognised UK and Ireland qualifications.

The court imposed a substantial fine of £80,000 on the company. In addition to the fine, the firm was ordered to pay costs of £5,500. This penalty underscores the serious view the courts and the HSE take when employers fail to protect their workers from foreseeable risks, particularly those associated with work at height.

This case serves as a stark reminder to all businesses, especially those in the construction and roofing sectors, of their legal and moral obligations to ensure a safe working environment. The HSE continues to prioritise enforcement against companies that neglect these duties, with a particular focus on high-risk activities such as work at height.

The incident adds to the concerning statistics surrounding falls from height in the UK. According to HSE data for 2022/23, falls from height were responsible for 40 fatal injuries to workers, making it the leading cause of workplace fatalities. Non-fatal injuries from falls from height also remain consistently high, highlighting the persistent danger and the need for rigorous safety protocols.

Preventing Falls from Height: Key Measures

  • Planning: All work at height must be properly planned and organised, taking into account weather conditions, equipment, and personnel.
  • Risk Assessment: Thorough risk assessments should identify all potential hazards and outline control measures.
  • Competence: Ensure all individuals working at height are competent and appropriately trained.
  • Equipment: Provide and maintain suitable work equipment, ensuring it is used correctly. This includes collective protective measures (e.g., scaffolding, edge protection, safety nets) before personal protective equipment (e.g., harnesses).
  • Fragile Surfaces: Specific precautions must be taken when working on or near fragile surfaces, such as using appropriate covers, guard rails, or fall arrest systems.
  • Supervision: Adequate supervision is crucial to ensure safe work practices are followed.

Employers are encouraged to review their current work at height policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and to prevent similar tragic incidents from occurring. Further guidance can be found on the HSE website.

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