The contractor was carrying out repairs to the roof at East Fleetham Farm in Seahouses on 5 February 2025. The man stepped on a polycarbonate roof sheet and fell approximately eight feet to the concrete floor below. He suffered two broken vertebrae in his back, as well as having a fractured sternum, that required surgery.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the company had failed to ensure that there were adequate measures in place to protect employees or contractors when working at height. There was no risk assessment or safe system of work for the work activity being undertaken.
Len Smith & Son Building Contractors Limited, East House, 17 Meadow Lane, Beadnell, Northumberland, pleaded guilty to breaching the Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined 拢20,000 and ordered to pay 拢5,744 in costs by North Tyneside Magistrates Court on 6 August 2026.
HSE inspector Richard McMullen said, 鈥淭he outcome of this case could have been much worse, but the man鈥檚 injuries were still very serious.
鈥淔alls from height continue to be the leading cause of workplace fatalities in Great Britain, with 31 people losing their lives in the past year.
鈥淭he construction industry remains the sector that accounts for the greatest number of workers killed each year.
鈥淭hese figures do not include those individuals that have sustained serious, life changing injuries in falls.
鈥淲e will prosecute those that fail to protect people while at work.鈥�