A Hampshire-based company has been fined after a roofer fell through a loft hatch while working on a property in Wimbledon
Mark Smith was working for Willow Services (Southern) Limited when he fell through an unprotected loft hatch and sustained life-changing injuries.
Mr Smith was stripping internal insulation before stepping onto an unguarded loft hatch. Landing on his back, Mark fractured his L1 vertebra and his hip, and has been unable to return to work, resulting in his termination by the company.
Failure to plan or provide adequate training to work at height
The HSE investigation found that the company failed to suitably plan the work at height and did not put adequate measures in place to prevent falls.
Those overseeing the work also lacked adequate training or experience to manage construction-related activities.
As a result, the construction company was fined £20,000 after pleading guilty and ordered to pay £5,607 in costs.
HSE inspector, Laurence Goodacre, said: “Falls from height remain the leading cause of fatal incidents in the workplace, particularly within the construction industry.
“This incident was entirely avoidable and resulted from a failure to properly plan the work and provide competent supervision.
“Had the loft hatch been identified and protected at the planning stage, Mr Smith would not have suffered these life changing injuries.”
According to HSE, falls from height are still the top cause of death in construction.
One in seven construction workers suffers workplace injuries
Research from Slater and Gordon has shown that in the last 12 months, one-in-seven workers have suffered an injury, and of those, 89% have required further assistance or needed a period of recovery.
This research, surveying 1,000 UK workers from 22-24 April 2026, shows that there is an issue with employers that may be neglecting their responsibilities to keep their employees safe.
28% of these workers have been injured due to slips, trips, and falls.
Bob Miller, senior associate solicitor, adds, “The data shows that employers must do better in protecting their employees. This starts from effective training plans in place, risk management, regular safety reviews, as well as empowering their employers to report any incidents or dangers, without fear.”
“The figures are an unfortunate reflection that some employers are still failing in their legal duties, with real consequences for employees including physical injury, mental health impacts and even long-term harm.”
“For World Day for Health and Safety at Work, I strongly encourage employers to reflect if they are doing everything they can to protect their employees. Employers have a duty of care to put practical measures in place to prevent avoidable injuries.”
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