Manchester Roofing Firm Fined £80,000 Following Serious Fall Incident
A Manchester-based roofing company has been heavily fined after one of its employees suffered severe injuries, including a broken back, when he fell through a fragile rooflight. The incident, which occurred in December 2020 at a commercial property on Longley Lane, Manchester, has led to significant enforcement action by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court heard that the employee was working on a roof replacement project when he stepped onto a fragile rooflight and fell approximately 4.5 metres to the concrete floor below. The investigation by the HSE revealed a critical failure in planning and supervision regarding work at height, specifically concerning the risks associated with fragile surfaces.
Investigation Uncovers Safety Lapses
The HSE's inquiry highlighted several deficiencies in the company's approach to health and safety. It was determined that the company had failed to adequately plan the work, supervise its employees effectively, and ensure that appropriate safety measures were in place to prevent falls through fragile roof materials. Despite the known risks associated with working on roofs, particularly those with fragile elements, the company had not implemented sufficient precautions to protect its workers.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Lisa Bailey commented, "This incident could have been easily avoided had the company properly planned the work and put in place appropriate control measures, such as safety netting or covers for fragile rooflights. Working at height remains one of the biggest causes of fatalities and major injuries in the workplace, and employers have a legal duty to ensure such work is carried out safely."
The injured worker sustained a broken back, several broken ribs, and a fractured heel, requiring extensive surgery and a prolonged period of recovery. His life has been significantly impacted by the incident, underscoring the severe consequences of neglecting basic safety protocols.
Legal Proceedings and Penalties
The roofing 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.
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The court imposed a fine of £80,000 and ordered the company to pay costs of £5,463.80. This substantial penalty reflects the seriousness of the breach and the significant harm caused to the employee. The HSE’s prosecution serves as a stark reminder to all employers, particularly those operating in high-risk sectors such as construction and roofing, of their non-negotiable responsibilities to protect their workforce.
This case adds to the growing number of enforcement actions taken by the HSE against companies failing to manage risks associated with working at height. In the financial year 2022/23, falls from height accounted for 40 fatalities and thousands of serious injuries across Great Britain, making it the leading cause of workplace deaths. The HSE continues to emphasise the importance of robust risk assessments, effective planning, and the provision of appropriate equipment and training to mitigate these risks.
Employers are urged to review their working at height procedures, ensuring they comply with the Work at Height Regulations 2005, which mandate a hierarchical approach to fall prevention: avoid work at height where possible, use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls, and where the risk cannot be eliminated, use work equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall.
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