A solar panel installation firm has been fined £120,000 after one of its employees suffered a serious injury in a fall while working on a roof. On December 16, 2022, the 23-year-old worker was adjusting a solar panel on a roof in Salisbury, Wiltshire, when he lost his footing and fell four metres, breaking his leg.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that EE Renewables Limited had failed to properly plan the work at height and had not taken adequate measures to prevent falls. The company had been hired to move nine solar panels on the roof, but had not provided sufficient protection for its workers.
EE Renewables Limited pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety regulations and was ordered to pay £4,716 in costs in addition to the fine. It pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
The worker fell four metres onto the ground below in Salisbury
(Image: Health and Safety Executive)
HSE inspector Sam Applebee said: “EE Renewables Limited did not properly plan this work so it could be carried out in a safe manner. There were inadequate means of protecting the workers from falling off the roof, with the company failing to provide edge protection.
“Working at height remains one of the biggest causes of injuries and fatalities in Britain, so it is important that companies ensure they implement the correct control measures and safe working practices.”