JLM Solutions Limited, a mechanical and engineering construction company based in Manchester, has been fined after a joiner suffered life-changing injuries when he fell through a skylight opening
Adam Kirkpatrick had been subcontracted to construct the timber frame for a new roof at a domestic property in Altrincham when the incident happened on 22 November 2023.
The 53-year-old was walking across a sheet of plywood that had been placed over roof light openings in the roof structure. However, the board had not been secured and gave way beneath him, causing him to fall from height.
Mr Kirkpatrick suffered a complete spinal cord injury
Mr Kirkpatrick’s son, who was the only other person on site after the rest of the workforce had left for the day, called emergency services. Mr Kirkpatrick was taken to hospital with multiple serious injuries, including a head injury, fractured ribs, a fractured sternum and a complete spinal cord injury.
He has since been left paralysed from the waist down.
Mr Kirkpatrick said: “I loved my job. I have always been able to provide for my family. Before the accident my wife had gone part time and we were making plans for retirement and spending more time with our grandchildren. This all changed due to the accident.
“This accident has impacted my health. I have no feeling below my belly button, I suffer with severe nerve pain and have to self-catheter.”
Mr Kirkpatrick’s wife Julie said: “On the day I was told that Adam would never walk again our world was turned upside down.
“It breaks my heart that Adam will never chase after his grandchildren again. He will never be able to play football with the boys or dance with his granddaughter. Everything my husband worked so hard for was to enjoy retirement and spend time with his grandchildren. That dream has been shattered since the accident.”
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that JLM Solutions Limited had failed to adequately plan, manage and supervise the roof works. The company also failed to ensure appropriate measures were in place to prevent falls from height, while site supervision during the work was found to be insufficient.
HSE Inspector Karen Farley said: “Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of workplace death and serious injury. The risks are well known throughout the construction industry.”
JLM Solutions Limited, of Elliott Street, Manchester, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. The company was fined £8,000 and ordered to pay £5,850 in costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on 26 May 2026.
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