A renewable energy company has been fined £120,000 after a worker fell from a roof while installing solar panels, breaking his leg in the incident.
The accident occurred on 16 December 2022, in Salisbury, when a 23-year-old employee of EE Renewables Limited slipped and fell four meters while adjusting a solar panel. The fall left him with a fractured femur, requiring extensive medical attention.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the company failed to properly plan the work at height and neglected to implement essential safety measures, such as edge protection, to prevent falls.
In a hearing at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 23 December 23 2024, EE Renewables Limited pleaded guilty to breaching safety regulations and was fined £120,000. The company was also ordered to pay £4,716 in costs.
HSE Inspector Sam Applebee highlighted the preventable nature of the incident, emphasising the critical need for robust planning and safety precautions when working at height.
"Falls from height remain one of the biggest causes of workplace fatalities and major injuries. Employers must take their duty of care seriously to ensure their workers’ safety," he said.
This case serves as a stark reminder to companies across industries to prioritise health and safety measures to avoid similar tragedies.
