%201.svg)
%201.svg)
A business park operator has been fined £13,000 following a serious fall from height that left a man with a fractured skull and collapsed lung. The worker tripped and fell almost four metres through an unprotected skylight while conducting roof repairs.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation showed his employer had not properly planned, risk assessed, or managed the work. The company was fined £13,000 and ordered to pay £2,666 costs.
Minimise fall-from-height risks in your workplace
According to HSE statistics, a quarter of workplace fatalities between 2017 and 2022 resulted from falls. Suitable and sufficient work-at-height risk assessments help you avoid accidents and fatalities.
- Evaluate your branch in detail, reviewing where work at height happens and the unique risks within each area
- Pay particular attention to racking, mezzanines, retail shelving spaces, and vehicle access points
- Consider environmental fall hazards, such as slippery surfaces, poor lighting, and space restrictions
- Ensure team members can get safely to and from where they work at height
- Ensure team members are protected from falling objects
- Ensure team members are trained on equipment use and safe working practices
Last updated
August 28, 2023
Opus Safety
Health & safety insights
Guidance, updates and practical advice for your sector.
Workplace Noise Assessments: Protecting Your Employees
Workplace noise assessments help protect employees, meet UK legal duties, and prevent noise-induced hearing loss. Book expert support.
HSE prosecutions: lessons from four recent enforcement cases
Four recent HSE prosecutions across builders merchants, manufacturing, waste and vehicle maintenance show why machinery guarding, hazardous substance controls and workplace transport segregation remain non-negotiable.
Martyn's Law: Navigating the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025
A practical guide to Martyn's Law - who it applies to, the standard and enhanced tiers, your core duties, and what businesses should do now to prepare.
Employer Health and Safety Responsibilities: Manual Handling Guide
Employer manual handling guide covering UK legal duties, risk assessments, MSD prevention, TILE controls and safety training.
What is Health and Safety Legislation? A Guide for UK SMEs
Understand UK health and safety legislation, including HSWA, risk assessments, RIDDOR and key regulations to keep your business compliant.
Recent HSE Prosecutions
Discover real UK workplace safety prosecutions – including fines for machinery incidents, falls from height, and COSHH failings – and what your business can learn from them.
Health and safety training: When to refresh staff skills and knowledge
Find out when to refresh your team's health and safety training, from onboarding to recertification and role changes.
Consultant Q&A: Sector safety challenges and solutions for 2026
Our consultants share clients' top sector safety concerns, plus practical tips to maintain strong standards in a challenging business environment.
Your latest Opus Compliance Cloud upgrades
We’re constantly evolving Opus Compliance Cloud, our work-saving H&S software. See what’s new across the system – and what the changes mean for you.
Workplace violence and abuse: How to protect your employees
Violence and abuse against retail staff is increasing. Take vital steps to safeguard and empower your team.
Why businesses choose
Opus Safety
We've worked across UK industry for years. The numbers show what our clients achieve when compliance becomes a strength, not a burden.
%201.svg)
