Company Fined After Roofer Fell Through Unguarded Loft Hatch

Brief Summary

An employer was prosecuted after a roofer fell about 11 feet through an unprotected loft hatch while re roofing a domestic property, resulting in life changing injuries. Enforcement action followed findings that the work at height was not properly planned and that oversight and competence were inadequate.

What Was The Incident?

A roofer was stripping out internal insulation in the roof space during re roofing work at a domestic property. While carrying out the task, he stepped onto a loft hatch that was not guarded, protected, or identified as a fragile and dangerous surface, and he fell to the floor below, landing on his back.

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. HSE found failures in suitable planning, prevention of falls, and provision of competent supervision, including that those overseeing the work lacked necessary training or experience.

Key Points To Consider

Identify and protect fragile surfaces early. At the planning stage, ensure loft hatches and similar surfaces are identified and treated as hazards, with measures in place to prevent falls.

Plan work at height to prevent falls. Plan the activity so that safe systems are in place before anyone starts, including decisions on access and fall prevention rather than relying on workers to avoid risk.

Provide adequate competent supervision. Ensure those responsible for overseeing the work can manage the risks from the task being carried out, not just the general work activity.

Verify competence for construction related activities. Where work involves construction related risks such as working on roofs and fragile roof space features, oversight should be matched with sufficient training and experience.

Use practical risk assessment for roof work. Apply HSE style guidance to assess risks from working at height, decide what access equipment is suitable, and put arrangements in place to prevent fatal and serious injuries.

HSE Prosecution Link