Roofing company fined £20,000 after worker falls through roof and fractures back

A company in Greater Manchester has been fined £20,000 after an employee fell through a roof and suffered serious injuries.

The 24-year-old, employed by Hightech Roofing N/W Limited in Failsworth, was repairing a roof on a building in Blackburn when the incident happened on August 3, 2022. The worker, who fell approximately 4.8 metres through a roof light, suffered a broken foot and ankle as well as a fractured vertebrae.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found Hightech Roofing N/W Limited failed to ensure the work on the roof was properly planned, appropriately supervised and carried out in a manner that was as safe as reasonably practicable. Workers used boards placed on the roof to move around, but according to the HSE, the roof lights were not covered which led to the worker falling.

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The company also failed to assess the specific risks arising from the need to work on or over fragile surfaces and failed to consider risks arising from employees working near the edge of the roof, the HSE said. No edge protection was installed at the gable end of the building, according to the HSE.

HSE guidance states those carrying out roof work must be trained, competent and instructed in use of the precautions required. A 'method statement' is the common way to help manage work on roofs and communicate the precautions to those involved.

Hightech Roofing N/W Limited, of Grimshaw Street, Failsworth, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. The company was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay £5,858.46 in costs at Preston Magistrates’ Court on 9 May 2024.

HSE inspector Sam Eves said: “This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices.

“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”

Hightech Roofing N/W Limited has been contacted for comment.