A renewable energy company has been handed a £120,000 fine after a 23-year-old worker broke his leg in a fall from a roof in Salisbury.
The incident occurred on 16 December 2022 while the employee was adjusting a solar panel. A subsequent investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that EE Renewables Limited had failed to properly plan and execute the work, which led to the fall.
The Incident: A Fall from Height
The employee, who had been working for EE Renewables Limited, was on the roof of a property on Sherfield English Road when the accident took place. While adjusting a solar panel, the worker lost his footing and slid, falling four metres to the ground below. The fall resulted in a broken femur, and the worker required significant medical attention.
The task was part of a project where EE Renewables Limited had been hired by the homeowner to move nine solar panels to a higher position on the roof. The investigation into the incident revealed a lack of adequate safety measures in place, which ultimately led to the employee’s injuries.
HSE Investigation Finds Lapses in Safety Measures
The HSE’s investigation revealed that EE Renewables Limited had not followed proper safety protocols for working at height. Specifically, the company had failed to provide edge protection or adequate measures to prevent a fall, despite the elevated nature of the work. The company was found guilty of breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which mandates that employers ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees.
HSE inspector Sam Applebee said the case highlighed the company’s failure to plan the work adequately and was a key factor in the incident. “EE Renewables Limited did not properly plan this work so it could be carried out in a safe manner,” said Applebee. “There were inadequate means of protecting the workers from falling off the roof, with the company failing to provide edge protection.”
The Ongoing Risk of Falls from Height
Working at height remains one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities in the UK. In recent years, the HSE has consistently flagged the importance of implementing the correct control measures and safe working practices, especially for tasks involving heights, which are inherently riskier.
Applebee emphasised the need for businesses to take safety precautions seriously, particularly in high-risk industries like renewable energy and construction. “Working at height remains one of the biggest causes of injuries and fatalities in Britain, so it’s important that companies ensure they implement the correct control measures and safe working practices,” he said.
Legal Consequences and Financial Penalties
The case against EE Renewables Limited was heard at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 23 December 2024. The company was fined £120,000 and ordered to pay £4,716 in costs. The prosecution was led by HSE enforcement lawyer Karen Park, with support from HSE paralegal officer Rebecca Withell.
The case serves as a reminder to businesses in the construction and renewable energy sectors about the importance of adhering to health and safety regulations. Employers have a duty of care to protect their workers from foreseeable risks, particularly when they involve working at height. Failing to do so not only puts employees in harm’s way but can also result in significant financial penalties and reputational damage.
Steps Employers Should Take
The HSE advises businesses to ensure that employees working at height are provided with the necessary training and protective equipment, such as edge protection, guardrails and harnesses. It’s also critical for employers to plan work thoroughly, assess risks and implement effective safety measures before work begins.
