Health and Safety Failings – Firm fined after worker falls from height

Firm fined after worker falls from height

Key Facts: 

• An HSE investigation was launched after a worker sustained life threatening injuries after falling from a roof.
• The man was working on the roof of the manufacturing firm’s site when he fell through a skylight.
• The firm were fined £10,000, over £7,300 in costs, and a victim surcharge of £120.

The case: 

A Bedfordshire based manufacturing firm were investigated by the HSE after a worker sustained life threatening injuries after falling from a roof.

The man was working on the roof at the manufacturing firm’s site in January 2012 when he fell through a skylight. The injuries he suffered as a result of the fall needed emergency life-saving treatment.

The case was heard at Luton Magistrates’ Court in April 2015, where the company pleaded guilty to breaching the Work at Height Regulations. They were fined £10,000, costs of over £7,300, plus a victim surcharge of £120.

What the law states

Employers have a duty to protect their workers when they undertake work at height. This section of the HSE’s website outlines what employers are required to do, and is also a useful resource for employees. Find it here >>

Falls from height account for about one third of workplace deaths every year. In 2012-13, 25 people lost their life as a result of work at height. Further guidance from the HSE can be found here >>

Our other work at height blog posts can be found here >>

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