Recent HSE prosecutions are a sobering reminder that falls through fragile roofs and skylights continue to cause devastating, life-changing injuries. In both cases, the risks were well known, the control measures were readily available, and the incidents were entirely preventable.
Working on roofs remains one of the highest-risk activities in construction and maintenance. While many people focus on the danger of falling from roof edges, fragile roof surfaces and skylights can be just as hazardous. A momentary lapse, an unsecured covering or the assumption that a roof will safely support someone’s weight can have catastrophic consequences.
Two recent HSE prosecutions
In June 2026, a business owner received a suspended prison sentence after a worker fell through a fragile rooflight while replacing skylights on a farm building. The worker suffered multiple fractures and other serious injuries, and HSE found that no measures such as crawling boards or netting had been put in place to prevent or mitigate a fall.
Just weeks earlier, a construction company was fined after a subcontracted joiner fell through an unsecured skylight opening while working on a domestic property. The fall left him paralysed from the waist down. HSE’s investigation found that the roof work had not been properly planned, managed or supervised, and suitable fall-prevention measures were not in place.
Common themes behind these incidents
Many serious incidents occur during routine maintenance, repair and refurbishment work, where the risks can be underestimated. The HSE advises that roofs should be treated as potentially fragile unless a competent person has confirmed otherwise. Particular care is required around rooflights, fibre-cement sheets, corroded metal roofing and other fragile materials.
Before any roof work begins, employers and contractors should ensure the work is properly planned, fragile areas are identified, suitable access and fall-prevention measures are in place, and workers are adequately trained and supervised. Just as importantly, there should be a clear rescue plan should something go wrong.
The key takeaway
The lesson from both prosecutions is straightforward: falls through fragile roofs and skylights are foreseeable and preventable. Taking the time to assess the risks and implement appropriate controls can make the difference between a routine maintenance task and a life-changing accident.
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