Energy Company Fined after Worker Falls Through Roof

A clean energy company based in Cornwall has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following an incident in which a worker fell through a fragile roof.

In August 2015, an employee of Clean Earth Energy Limited was installing solar panels onto a roof at Homeleigh Garden Centre in Launceston. Whilst the worker, a senior roofer, was negotiating his way across the roof it gave way. The worker fell approximately fifteen feet to the floor, sustaining numerous injuries including multiple fractured vertebrae.

After an investigation by the HSE, it was decided that the work had not been suitably planned or properly supervised whilst it was carried out.

After pleading guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, Clean Earth Energy Limited, of Bess Park Road, Trenant Industrial Estate, Wadebridge, Cornwall was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,704.

After the hearing an inspector for the HSE, Nicole Buchanan, said:

“Working on fragile surfaces is a particularly high risk activity in which many serious accidents occur. Duty holders should do everything possible to protect their workers from the risk of a fall.”

Injury at Work – Expert Advice

If you have been injured in the workplace you could be entitled to personal injury compensation. Remember, we offer you a FREE no-obligation consultation – discover today whether you have a claim. Speak to one of our professional and friendly advisers today on 0800 888 6 888 or email

Source: Health & Safety Executive