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PHW · Working at height · 2026-07-14

Romero Catholic Academy Trust fined £32,000 after a site supervisor fell from an unsecured roof

Padiham, Burnley · Warrington Magistrates' Court

What happened

A school site supervisor climbed an unsecured ladder onto a roof to collect footballs during an inset day and fell from the roof onto the concrete playground below. The roof had no edge protection or other fall prevention measures in place.

Injuries: Traumatic injuries including a subdural haematoma, bleeding on the brain and fractures to face, hand and foot, with ongoing memory, speech and cognitive difficulties

The breach

Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

The sentence

  • Fine: £32,000
  • Costs: £6,360
HSE inspector

“This was a tragic incident that will have a lifelong impact. Proper planning, assessment of the risks and control measures should be implemented.”

What would have prevented it

Retrieving items from a roof is work at height like any other and needs planned access and edge protection, not an unsecured ladder.

How PHW helps

The machines, packs and quizzes that fit this kind of site.

Sector

Training and H&S evidence for construction sites

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Safety pack

Working at height

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Safety pack

Concrete, cement and mortar

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Quiz

Could you show a site manager today, in writing, that each operator is authorised to use your machines?

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Source: HSE press release, Academy trust site supervisor left wondering if he would survive after fall from height