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Falls from Heights in the Workplace: Employer Liability Gone Wrong

Every year, falls from height claim more lives than any other workplace accident in Britain. That sobering reality was highlighted in the recent case of a roofing company that found itself in hot legal water—and rightly so. Workers balanced precariously on a roof without scaffolding, edge protection, or even a basic safety harness. The cost? A hefty fine for the company, a suspended prison sentence for its director, and a tarnished reputation that money can't fix. As a business leader, this might feel like a distant headline. But ask yourself: could this be your business next?

Employer Liability - KODOBI

The Health and Safety Risks Workers Faced

Imagine this: workers perched on a roof with no scaffolding, no edge protection, and no safety harnesses. At night, they relied solely on the dim lights of their phones and torches to navigate their hazardous tasks. This isn’t a fictional disaster scenario—it’s what unfolded in Dorking, Surrey, under Jack Avanzo’s leadership. These conditions weren’t just unsafe, they were reckless. The absence of basic fall-prevention measures, such as scaffolding or harnesses, left workers dangerously exposed. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also found a complete lack of structured planning, supervision, or monitoring of the work. To make matters worse, even after HSE issued a formal improvement notice to address these failures, the company ignored it, compounding the severity of their neglect.


Legal Consequences: Employer Liability in Action

When HSE brought the case to Brighton Magistrates' Court, the consequences were swift and severe:

  • For the Company: 

Weather Master Roofing was fined £4,000 and ordered to pay additional costs and a victim surcharge, underscoring its corporate responsibility for the safety failings.

  • For Jack Avanzo: 

As the director, Avanzo bore personal accountability. He received:

  • A six-month suspended prison sentence.

  • 120 hours of unpaid community work.

  • A three-year ban from serving as a company director.

  • £1,500 in costs.

These penalties are not just a legal slap on the wrist; they represent the serious implications of disregarding worker safety.


Health and Safety in the Details That Matter

Employer liability means making sure safety protocols are actively implemented in every task, every day. The UK’s Health and Safety at Work Act requires employers to take "reasonably practicable" steps to keep workers safe. Not sure what that looks like in practice? Let’s break it down:

Plan, Plan, Plan

No scaffolding or edge protection? That’s a clear oversight in planning. Risk assessments are essential, not optional. For any high-risk task, identify potential hazards, implement control measures, and make sure every team member understands their responsibilities for staying safe.

Equip Your Team Properly

Safety harnesses, guardrails, stable ladders—these tools save lives. Prioritise collective protective measures like scaffolding, which offer a broader safeguard, and only then consider personal protective equipment (PPE) as a supplementary layer. And let’s be clear: using a phone flashlight for night work is woefully inadequate and downright unsafe.

Supervise and Monitor

Even the best-laid plans can fail without proper supervision. Regular site checks and ongoing monitoring are non-negotiable. If something feels "off," it probably is. Address it immediately.


A Checklist for Safer Workplaces

Every workplace can take concrete steps to prevent accidents and ensure compliance. Here’s your guide:

  • Conduct Regular Risk Assessments: 

Especially for high-risk jobs like working at height. Don’t skip this step. Ever.

  • Provide Ongoing Training: 

Your team should understand not just what to do but why it matters. From fall prevention to proper equipment use, knowledge saves lives.

  • Document Everything: 

Inspections, training sessions, equipment checks—record it all. If an incident occurs, this paperwork will protect you legally and show you did your due diligence.

  • Foster a Culture of Safety: 

Create an environment where workers feel empowered to speak up about risks. Safety is a team effort.


Take Control of Workplace Safety Today

You can’t afford to gamble with your team’s wellbeing—or your liability. Cases like Jack Avanzo’s show how quickly neglect can spiral into disaster. But it doesn’t have to be this way. With the KODOBI H&S training, risk assessments, and a proactive approach to compliance, you can create a workplace where safety is the foundation, not an afterthought. Start making changes today and be the leader your team deserves. Let’s make safety your top priority.


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