A welding and metal fabrication firm has been prosecuted after a worker fell through a fragile roof in Salford.

John Fowler & Son (Blacksmiths & Welders) pleaded guilty to breaches of Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Regulation 3 (1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. It has been fined £40,000 with over £5,368 in costs.

Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court heard that a 39-year-old employee of the firm was carrying out minor roof repairs on a site in Salford on 23 February 2016. However, during the work he fell eight metres through a fragile roof of a timber storage shed.


The man suffered multiple injuries including a broken leg, elbow and ribs. He also punctured his lungs and had his spleen removed as a result of this incident.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found no precautions had been taken to prevent workers from falling through or off the edge of the roof. It was also found the company failed to properly plan the work at height and it failed to implement a safe system of work which ensured the employees were able to safely carry out the roof work.

HSE inspector Jackie Worrall said: "The injured employee in this case was very fortunate not to lose his life following this fall from height.

"Falls from height can be prevented by careful planning, using trained and experienced workers with suitable equipment and employing a high level of supervision.

"Deaths caused by falls through fragile surfaces occur mainly to those working in the building maintenance sector when carrying out small, short-term maintenance and cleaning jobs.

"On average seven people are killed each year after falling through a fragile roof or fragile roof light. Many others suffer permanent disabling injury."

(LM/MH)