A 23-year-old man suffered a serious injury after falling from a roof on Sherfield English Road while working for EE Renewables Limited on 16 December 2022.The incident occurred as he was adjusting a solar panel and slid, falling four metres to the ground below. The fall resulted in a broken femur. Reports Contract Journal
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that EE Renewables Limited had failed to properly plan the work at height and did not implement adequate measures to prevent falls. The company had been contracted by the homeowner to reposition nine solar panels higher up on the roof.
EE Renewables Limited, based in Fareham, Hampshire, admitted to breaching safety regulations. The company was fined £120,000 and ordered to pay £4,716 in costs following the case at Swindon Magistrates’ Court.
HSE inspector Sam Applebee said: “EE Renewables Limited did not properly plan this work so it could be carried out in a safe manner. There were inadequate means of protecting the workers from falling off the roof, with the company failing to provide edge protection.
“Working at height remains one of the biggest causes of injuries and fatalities in Britain, so it is important that companies ensure they implement the correct control measures and safe working practices.”