A company has been fined£133,000 after a worker suffered severe injuries following a10-metre fall through a barn roof in Southampton. The incident, which occurred on9 February 2023, involved a 37-year-old man helping to repair a fire-damaged storage barn at Dodwell Farm Limited.
What Went Wrong?
The worker was fixing new panels to the barn’s timbers, but they were not strong enough to hold his weight. When he stepped on them, they gave way, causing him to plummet to the hard surface below. His injuries were severe, requiring an extended hospital stay.
AnHSE investigation found thatessential safety measures were missing, including:
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Nobarriers to prevent falls.
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Nosafety netting to catch workers in case of a fall.
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Noproper access equipment for working at height.
Legal Consequences
Dodwell Farm Limited, based in Bursledon, was found guilty of breachingSection 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. At a hearing on3 January 2025, the company was fined£133,000 and ordered to pay£8,816 in costs plus a£2,000 surcharge.
Lessons for Employers
Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of serious workplace injuries and fatalities. Employers must take the following precautions when working at height:
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Assess the risks before starting any work.
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Provide edge protection, barriers, or guardrails where necessary.
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Use netting or air bags to reduce fall risks.
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Ensure workers have proper access equipment, such as scaffolding or mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).
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Train workers on safe working practices when operating at height.
📞Are your height safety measures up to standard? Contact Compass HSC today for expert guidance on preventing falls and ensuring compliance with health and safety laws.