Worker Falls Through Fragile Farm Roof

Brief Summary

A construction company failed to plan and control roof repair work at height. A worker stepped on a polycarbonate roof sheet, fell to a concrete floor and sustained two broken vertebrae and a fractured sternum that required surgery. The company pleaded guilty to breaches of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined. The case shows how basic planning and control can prevent falls from height which remain a leading cause of workplace death and serious injury.

What Was The Incident?

On 5 February 2025 a bricklayer was part of a team repairing a barn roof at a farm in Northumberland. The worker stepped on a polycarbonate roof sheet and fell about eight feet onto a concrete floor. He suffered two broken vertebrae and a fractured sternum requiring surgery. The Health and Safety Executive found there was no risk assessment or safe system of work for the task and that the employer had not ensured adequate measures to protect people working at height.

What Was The Outcome?

The employer pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay £5,744 in costs in August 2026 following prosecution by the regulator.

Key Points To Consider

Assess fragile roof surfaces. Ensure risk assessments and method statements identify fragile materials such as polycarbonate and set out how work will be carried out without exposing people to the risk of falling through sheets.

Plan work at height and control access. Specify and provide appropriate measures such as temporary platforms, edge protection, access equipment or exclusion zones, assign competent people and supervise the activity to prevent anyone walking on fragile surfaces.

Check contractor competence and supervision. Require written evidence of risk assessments and safe systems of work from contractors before work starts and verify on site through inspections and supervision that the controls are implemented and followed.

HSE Prosecution Link