Company Fined £80,000 After Worker Falls From Height

A West Yorkshire company has been handed a substantial fine following a serious workplace accident that left an employee with life-changing injuries. The incident, which saw a worker fall approximately four metres through a fragile rooflight, underscores the critical importance of robust safety procedures, particularly when working at height.

Leeds Magistrates’ Court heard how, on 10th February 2022, an employee of a manufacturing firm was carrying out maintenance work on the roof of a building at their premises. During the work, the employee stepped onto a fragile rooflight, which gave way. They fell approximately four metres to the concrete floor below, sustaining multiple fractures to their back, ribs, and wrist, along with a collapsed lung. The severity of the injuries has had a profound impact on the worker's life and ability to return to their previous occupation.

HSE Investigation Uncovers Significant Safety Breaches

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed a series of systemic failings in the company's approach to work at height. The investigation found that the firm had failed to properly plan the work, supervise the activity, or provide appropriate equipment to prevent a fall. Specifically, the HSE identified that:

  • There was no suitable and sufficient risk assessment in place for working on fragile roofs or near fragile rooflights.
  • The company had not implemented adequate control measures to prevent falls through fragile surfaces, such as safety netting or covers for rooflights.
  • Workers had not received sufficient training or instruction on the risks associated with fragile roofs and the safe systems of work required.
  • Supervision of the work was inadequate, allowing unsafe practices to occur.

HSE Inspector David Welsh commented on the case, stating, "This incident could have been easily avoided had the company implemented a safe system of work and ensured that the work was properly planned, supervised, and carried out by competent individuals. Falls from height remain one of the biggest causes of workplace fatalities and major injuries, and the risks associated with fragile roofs are well-known within the industry. Companies must ensure that all work at height is properly assessed and that appropriate control measures are in place to protect their employees."

Legal Proceedings and Financial Penalty

The company 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 stress management trainer qualifications or explore confined space trainer courses for nationally recognised UK and Ireland qualifications.

Leeds Magistrates’ Court subsequently fined the company £80,000 and ordered them to pay costs of £5,800. The substantial penalty reflects the seriousness of the breaches and the significant harm caused to the employee. The HSE hopes that such enforcement action will serve as a stark reminder to other businesses about their legal and moral obligations to protect their workforce.

The incident highlights the critical importance of adhering to the Work at Height Regulations 2005, which require employers to ensure that:

  • All work at height is properly planned and organised.
  • Those involved in work at height are competent.
  • The risks of working at height are assessed, and appropriate work equipment is selected and used.
  • The risks of falls are minimised.

Businesses are urged to review their current safety procedures, particularly concerning work at height and fragile surfaces, to prevent similar incidents from occurring. Proactive risk management and investment in appropriate safety measures are not just legal requirements but essential components of a responsible and ethical business operation.

For businesses looking to enhance their health and safety compliance and ensure their teams are adequately trained for complex tasks such as working at height, Abertay Training offers a comprehensive range of accredited courses and consultancy services. More information can be found at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk.