Worker Seriously Injured After Falling Through Unprotected Roof Light

Brief Summary

On 10 November 2023 a worker fell through an unprotected roof light while passing materials during roof refurbishment at a domestic property. The employer did not use collective protection or suitable fall prevention measures and breached the Work at Height Regulations. HSE statistics show falls from height accounted for around a quarter of all worker deaths in Great Britain during 2025-26, so effective planning and control remain essential.

What Was The Incident?

A male worker was carrying out roof refurbishment work at a domestic property and was passing materials through an open, unprotected roof light. He fell through the opening onto the concrete floor below and sustained serious, life changing injuries. The HSE investigation found the employer had not put suitable measures in place to protect workers from falling from height. No scaffolding, guard rails, internal crash deck or harness systems were used and the work had not been protected by appropriate collective or personal controls.

What Was The Outcome?

The employer pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. The company was fined £60,000 and ordered to pay costs on 3 August 2026.

Key Points To Consider

Plan work at height. Review method statements and work plans to specify collective protection such as scaffolding guard rails or an internal crash deck before work starts; where collective measures are not practicable set out suitable personal protection and rescue arrangements.

Identify and control openings. Ensure risk assessments explicitly record roof lights and other temporary openings and assign measures to prevent people or materials falling through them, for example by covering or guarding openings and controlling how materials are passed.

Verify competence and supervision. Confirm workers are competent for work at height and that supervisors check that specified controls are installed and used throughout the task, and review procedures for handling materials at height.

HSE Prosecution Link