Worker breaks back after fall from height

High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court heard that on 6 September 2018, Ross Sly was replacing the roof of an agricultural building in Reading when he stepped across a roof-light onto a fibre cement roof sheet, which gave way. He fell approximately four metres on to the workshop floor, sustaining multiple fractures to his spine.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that sole trader Mark Wakefield, trading as Mark Wakefield Construction, had failed to take reasonably practicable precautions to safeguard his workers during the re-roofing work.

The workers had been put at risk of falling through fragile roof sheets above areas of the buildings where safety nets had not been installed, underneath the fragile roof sheets. The employer had also failed to put edge protection in place around the perimeter of the main building and workshop to prevent the risk of a fall.

Mark Wakefield of Hilltop Farm, Greenhill, Swindon pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4 (1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and was fined £1,400 and ordered to pay costs of £2,000.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Chris Redfern said, “Falls from height remain the most common cause of work-related fatalities and serious injuries in the construction industry.

“The risks associated with working at height are well-known. It is important that those in control of work at height identify the risks and implement appropriate control measures to safeguard workers.

“HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those who fall below the required standards.”