A self-employed roofer has been handed a suspended prison sentence after a worker suffered life-altering injuries following a fall from scaffolding.
The incident, which occurred on 13 June 2023, saw Iain Smith plunge more than 25 feet while working under Daniel Hooper, who trades as Hooper Roofing. Following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Hooper was prosecuted for breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
At Exeter Magistrates Court on 6 February 2025, Hooper pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months. In addition to his suspended sentence, Hooper was ordered to pay £10,875 in costs and complete 150 hours of unpaid work in the community.
A Shocking Workplace Incident
Smith, 36, was working at height and carrying old roof slates down a ladder attached to a scaffold platform at a domestic property in Honiton when he fell. The impact of the fall resulted in five broken vertebrae, as well as skull and rib fractures. He was immediately airlifted to hospital, where he was placed in an induced coma for five days.
Despite making a remarkable recovery, Smith continues to suffer long-term effects from his workplace injuries. The HSE investigation found that Hooper failed to ensure the safety of his worker by not implementing proper planning, supervision, or suitable equipment for working at height.
The use of ladders to transport heavy slates to and from the scaffolding was deemed unsafe, which contributed to his workplace injuries with the HSE highlighting safer alternatives such as pulley systems or mechanical conveyors.
HSE Issues Warning on Work at Height Safety
HSE inspector Thomas Preston commented on the case, warning that falls from height account for around half of all deaths in the construction industry.
“Mr. Smith is very fortunate to still be alive today. The risks of working at height in the construction industry and the necessary control measures are well established, including the need to supervise the work appropriately. Alternative methods of moving materials up and down from a scaffold platform must be considered when planning roofing projects.”
According to HSE data for the year ending 31 March 2024, falls from height were the leading cause of workplace fatalities, accounting for 50 out of 138 deaths.
The Workers Union Says…
“This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of failing to follow safety regulations in the construction sector. Employers must ensure that proper risk assessments and safety measures are in place to protect workers from preventable injuries.
Here at The Workers Union, we urge all self-employed contractors and business owners to prioritise workplace safety and follow HSE guidelines to prevent future accidents.
Employers must recognise their legal and moral responsibilities when it comes to worker safety. No job is worth a life-changing injury or fatality—taking proactive safety measures saves lives.”
