Building firm fined £20,000 after worker falls through barn roof

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 6 Nov, 11:20 · Archive

A Lancashire construction firm has been fined £20,000 after a worker fell 10 metres through a barn roof.

AJ Riley Landscapes and Building Limited has been fined £20,000 after a worker fell through a barn roof and suffered serious injuries. Josh Huddleston, 47, fell around 10 metres while replacing a damaged skylight on a fragile roof on 24 February 2025. He suffered multiple fractures to his ribs, vertebrae and pelvis.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found that the Lancaster-based construction and landscaping firm had failed to properly plan the work or put adequate safety measures in place to protect Mr Huddleston from falling. The investigation also found that workers had not received enough training to use the safety measures identified in the company's risk assessment.

Matthew Shepherd, HSE inspector, said: 'It is fortunate that Mr Huddleston survived this fall, which could easily have resulted in fatal injuries.' He added that the risks associated with working at height on fragile roof surfaces are well known and that 'suitable precautions are readily available'. The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

How it is being reported

• Man 'lucky to be alive' after falling through barn roof - Lancashire employer fined by HSEFalls from height remain one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities.Chorley Guardian · 6 Nov, 11:31
• Lancaster village building firm fined £20k after worker seriously injured in fall through barn roofA Lancashire based construction and landscaping company has been fined £20,000 after a worker suffered serious injuries when he fell through the fragile roof of a barn.Lancaster Guardian · 6 Nov, 10:56
• Building firm fined £20,000 after worker falls 10 metres through barn roofAJ Riley Landscapes and Building Limited has been fined £20,000 after worker Josh Huddleston suffered serious injuries falling 10 metres through a barn roofLancashire Telegraph · 6 Nov, 05:00

In this story: AJ Riley Landscapes and Building Limited · Josh Huddleston · Health and Safety Executive · Matthew Shepherd · Caton · Lancaster

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