Construction Company Fined After Skylight Fall Causes Spinal Cord Injury

Brief Summary

A joiner working on roof light openings fell from height after stepping on an unsecured board placed over a skylight opening. The employer pleaded guilty to failing to plan, manage and monitor roof work, including ensuring suitable fall prevention and protection measures and adequate site supervision.

What Was The Incident?

On 22 November 2023, a joiner subcontracted to construct a timber frame for a new roof was walking on plywood positioned over roof light openings. The board was not secured and gave way, leading to a fall from height through an unsecured skylight opening.

What Was The Outcome?

The employer, acting as principal contractor, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13(1) of the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015. It was fined £8000 and ordered to pay costs of £5850 and a victim surcharge of £2000 at Warrington Magistrates Court on 26 May 2026.

Key Points To Consider

Plan roof work to eliminate or control fall risk. Principal contractors must properly plan the construction phase and ensure effective preventative and protective measures are in place for work involving roof lights and openings.

Secure and manage access over openings. Stepping surfaces placed over openings must not rely on unsecured temporary cover; suitable arrangements are needed to prevent access to hazardous gaps and to stop collapse under load.

Provide suitable work equipment for working at height. Where work requires safe access, use appropriate equipment such as a safe working platform combined with the right control measures, rather than arrangements that cannot reliably prevent falls.

Supervise subcontractors and check controls are effective on site. Inadequate supervision means risks can remain unmanaged even when measures are intended; active oversight is needed to ensure controls are implemented correctly day to day.

Monitor and manage health and safety throughout the construction phase. Managing construction work is not a one off task; risk controls for falls from height should be monitored and reviewed as roof work progresses to prevent serious incidents.

HSE Prosecution Link