Lancashire Firm Fined After 10-Metre Barn Roof Fall

A Lancashire-based construction company, AJ Riley Landscapes and Building Ltd, has been prosecuted after an employee fell 10 metres while replacing a damaged skylight. The incident, which occurred in February 2025, left the 47-year-old worker with serious injuries, including fractures to his vertebrae, ribs, and pelvis.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that the firm had failed to properly plan the work at height. Specifically, the company did not implement sufficient control measures to prevent falls through the fragile roofing material. Furthermore, it was discovered that staff had not been given adequate training to utilise the safety equipment or controls mentioned in the company's own risk assessments.

Appearing at Warrington Magistrates’ Court, the company pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. They were ordered to pay a £20,000 fine along with costs of £4,955. The HSE emphasised that this incident was entirely preventable through the use of standard safety procedures and proper competence checks.

For procurement and site managers, this case highlights the critical importance of not only providing safety equipment but ensuring that all personnel are fully trained in its application. When working on fragile surfaces, edge protection, crawling boards, or safety netting should be verified as part of a robust site plan.

Source: Construction News