Employer Fined After Roofer Fell Through Unguarded Loft Hatch

Brief Summary

A company carrying out domestic roof work was prosecuted after a worker fell about 11 feet through an unguarded loft hatch. The Health and Safety Executive found failures in planning the work at height, providing fall prevention measures, and ensuring competent supervision.

What Was The Incident?

During re roofing at a house, the worker was stripping out insulation in the roof space. He stepped onto an unguarded loft hatch that had not been identified or protected during the planning of the work. He fell approximately 11 feet to the floor below, landing on his back and sustaining serious injuries.

What Was The Outcome?

The employer pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. It was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay £5,607 in costs.

Key Points To Consider

Plan work at height to identify fragile openings. The hatch was not identified as a risk and was not protected, showing the importance of assessing the work area and spotting hazards such as fragile or unprotected openings before work starts.

Prevent falls by providing suitable protection measures. The investigation found measures to prevent falls were not adequate, so employers must ensure appropriate controls are in place, including protection for openings and fragile surfaces where people may step or fall.

Ensure competent supervision for construction related activities. Those overseeing the work lacked the necessary training or experience to manage the activities safely, highlighting the need to confirm supervision arrangements are competent for the task.

Provide access and equipment that supports safe working. HSE guidance emphasises planning access and suitable equipment for roof work, and this case underlines that safe systems of work must address how people move and work in roof spaces.

Use HSE roof work guidance to structure safe systems. The case reflects failures against work at height expectations, including risk assessment, identification of fragile surfaces, and arranging fall prevention and supervision in line with relevant guidance.

HSE Prosecution Link