Down The Hatch – Roofer Rues Fall From Loft

A roofer suffered life‑changing injuries when he fell through an unprotected loft hatch while carrying out work on a domestic property in Wimbledon.

Mark Smith had been working for Hampshire firm Willow Services (Southern) Limited on 13 May 2024, where he was re‑roofing the house. The 41-year-old had been stripping out internal insulation within the roof space, when he stepped onto an unguarded loft hatch which had not been identified or protected.

He fell approximately 11 feet to the floor below, landing on his back. He had fractured his L1 vertebra and his hip and has been unable to return to work since. His employment was later terminated by the company.

No planning

An investigation by the Health & Safety Executive found that the company had failed to suitably plan the work at height. The company did not ensure adequate measures were in place to prevent falls and had failed to provide competent supervision of the work.

The investigation also identified that those overseeing the work did not have the necessary training or experience to safely manage construction‑related activities.

Fined

Willow Services (Southern) pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. The company was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay £5,607 in costs at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 30 April 2026.

HSE Inspector Laurence Goodacre said after the case: “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.”

Guidance

HSE guidance provides practical advice on planning, organising and carrying out roof work safely. It highlights the need to properly assess risks from working at height, identify fragile surfaces, provide suitable access equipment and ensure falls are prevented wherever possible.

The guidance also stresses the importance of competence and supervision. It applies to construction, maintenance, repair, cleaning and demolition activities.

Falls from height are the leading cause of injury and death in construction.

Picture: Mark Smith fell through loft hatch while re-roofing house in Wimbledon. The roofer fractured his back and has been unable to return to work.

www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/index.htm