A worker suffered life‑changing injuries on 12 August 2023 while performing a working at height task, when he fell four metres through a fragile rooflight at an industrial estate in High Wycombe, while cleaning and repairing gutters and drains for Jenner Roofing and Building Services. The incident resulted in a fractured skull, cheekbone, leg fracture and broken wrist. Daniel Jenner, trading as Jenner Roofing and Building Services, received an eight‑month suspended sentence, was ordered to complete 280 hours of unpaid work and to pay £500 costs at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on 21 January 2026.
The HSE investigation found that no work‑at‑height measures were in place to prevent workers from falling from unguarded roof edges or through the fragile roof covering. There were also no mitigation controls for either the distance of a fall or its impact. Jenner pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
HSE Lead Inspector Sophie Neale said: “This was a tragic but avoidable incident, where an individual suffered life‑changing injuries due to working at height. Had suitable control measures been implemented, such as fall prevention or fall mitigation measures,”
“This prosecution highlights ongoing safety failures in the construction industry, where working at height remains one of the leading causes of workplace injury and death.”
The prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Gemma Zakrzewski and paralegal officer Helen Hugo. The case underscores the importance of robust risk assessments, method statements and toolbox talks for any work at height.
Working at height — Key Findings
- Daniel Jenner, trading as Jenner Roofing and Building Services – sole trader responsible for the site.
- 12 August 2023 at an industrial estate in High Wycombe – rooflight collapse caused severe injuries.
- No work‑at‑height measures or mitigation controls were in place.
- Eight‑month suspended sentence, 280 hours unpaid work and £500 costs.
- High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court – sentencing on 21 January 2026.
- Breach of Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
- Enforcement lawyer Gemma Zakrzewski and paralegal officer Helen Hugo led the prosecution.
Why This Matters to Employers
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require employers to assess risks, implement prevention measures and ensure safe systems of work for any activity involving a risk of falling. Failure to do so can lead to severe injury, legal action and significant financial penalties.
Beyond fines, incidents damage reputation, increase insurance premiums and may result in civil claims from injured workers or their families.
How to Protect Your Business
- Conduct a thorough risk assessment for all work at height, identifying hazards and control measures.
- Brief your team with regular toolbox talks covering fall prevention, use of guardrails and safe access procedures.
- Review your method statements to ensure they include detailed steps for working near rooflights and unguarded edges.
- Install physical barriers such as guardrails or safety nets where feasible.
- Provide training on the use of personal fall arrest systems and emergency rescue plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a work‑at‑height activity?
Any task where a person could fall a distance that might cause injury, including working on ladders, scaffolding, roofs or near rooflights.
How often should risk assessments be reviewed?
Assessments should be reviewed whenever there is a change in work method, equipment, personnel or after any incident or near‑miss.
What penalties can I face for breaching the Work at Height Regulations?
Penalties may include unlimited fines, prosecution costs, suspended sentences and court‑ordered community service, as demonstrated in this case.
Source: Sole trader sentenced after worker injured in fall from height – HSE Media Centre