Story Highlight
– Worker fell 7 feet during gutter replacement work.
– Company Goliath Home World fined £16,500 for negligence.
– No safety instructions or risk assessment provided.
– Serious injuries included fractures to shoulder and face.
– HSE emphasizes importance of planning and safety measures.
Full Story
A home improvement firm based in Staffordshire has been penalised with a fine of £16,500 following a significant workplace incident that left a worker with serious injuries. The case was brought before Birmingham Magistrates’ Court, where details of the event were examined.
The incident occurred on 12 August 2024, as the worker was engaged in replacing guttering on a garage in Hednesford. Evidence presented during the hearing revealed that the employee had not received adequate guidance or training regarding safe practices for the task. In addition, he was unaware that a nearby shed obstructed access to certain areas of the guttering, which ultimately contributed to the accident.
As the worker stretched to reach the final bracket of the gutter from the shed, he lost his balance and fell approximately 2.1 metres (around 7 feet) to the ground below. The fall resulted in multiple severe injuries, including fractures to his shoulder, upper arm, eye socket, and nose.
An investigation conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) uncovered systemic failures by Goliath Home World Limited. The inquiry revealed that the firm had neglected to adequately plan the gutter replacement work, to provide necessary protective measures against falls, and to offer sufficient information and instructions to its employees regarding the safe execution of such tasks.
According to the Work at Height Regulations 2005, employers are obligated to ensure that all work at height is properly planned and executed under appropriate supervision. Comprehensive guidance outlining how to maintain compliance with these regulations and safeguard workers is accessible through the HSE’s official website.
Goliath Home World Limited, located at Goliath House, Navigation Way, Cannock, Staffordshire,, entered a guilty plea concerning a breach of Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The court proceedings culminated on 12 November 2025, resulting in the aforementioned fine and additional costs amounting to £5,994.55.
After the hearing, Rob Gidman, an inspector with the HSE, commented on the incident’s implications. He stated, “This incident highlights the importance of undertaking a thorough assessment of the risks for all work at height activities and ensuring that suitable control measures are implemented. Had the work been properly planned and suitable work equipment provided, this incident would not have happened.”
The prosecution case was managed by HSE enforcement lawyer, Arfaq Nabi, who underscored the crucial role that adherence to safety protocols plays in protecting workers from avoidable accidents.
Workplace safety continues to be a major focus for the HSE, which is recognised as the UK’s primary regulator overseeing health and safety standards in the workplace. The organisation is committed to fostering safer environments for employees across various sectors while working tirelessly to reduce the occurrence of workplace injuries.
In light of this incident, stakeholders have highlighted the necessity for better training and supervision for workers involved in activities at height. By ensuring that comprehensive risk assessments are carried out and that workers are equipped with the right tools and knowledge, businesses can significantly mitigate the potential for accidents.
Further information regarding health and safety legislation, including guidance on working at height, is readily available through the HSE’s online resources. These materials serve as vital tools for businesses aiming to improve their safety standards and comply with the law.
While the HSE does not impose penalties or determine sentencing directly, it plays a critical role in monitoring compliance with health and safety regulations. The organisation’s recommendations and guidelines are designed to support businesses in their efforts to maintain safe working conditions.
As companies across the industry reflect on this case, it is clear that the commitment to health and safety must be paramount. Employers are reminded of their legal and moral obligations to protect their workforce and ensure that appropriate safety measures are in place at all times. The consequences of neglecting these responsibilities can lead to severe repercussions, both for the employees involved and the organisations themselves.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritising safety in all aspects of work routines. As policy reevaluations and enhanced training programs become more prevalent, it is hoped that similar occurrences can be prevented in the future.
Our Thoughts
The incident involving Goliath Home World Limited underscores significant lapses in compliance with UK health and safety regulations, particularly the Work at Height Regulations 2005. To prevent such accidents, the company should have undertaken a thorough risk assessment prior to commencing work at height, as mandated by legislation. Proper planning could have included identifying hazards such as restricted access due to the shed and implementing adequate control measures to protect workers from falls.
Key lessons include the necessity for clear communication and training regarding safety protocols. Workers must be instructed on safe practices, especially when working in potentially hazardous environments. The lack of guidance in this case demonstrates a breach of Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, highlighting the employer’s responsibility for ensuring workplace safety.
To avoid similar incidents, companies should establish robust training programs, prioritize risk assessments for all projects involving height, and ensure the availability of appropriate safety equipment. Regular safety audits could further reinforce compliance and promote a culture of safety awareness among workers.
This incident highlights a basic but vital point: working at height must be properly planned and managed. A thorough risk assessment, clear safe systems of work and adequate supervision could have prevented the fall and the injuries. Employers need to ensure workers are trained and have the right equipment, and that control measures are documented and enforced. Failing to do so not only endangers people but also exposes businesses to legal and financial consequences.
This is a stark reminder that basic safety planning saves lives and livelihoods. Working at height requires clear risk assessment, appropriate equipment and supervision. Employers must ensure workers are trained, given the right fall protection and that tasks are properly planned, not left to improvisation. The cost of cutting corners is far higher than doing the job safely.