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Welcome to the June edition of the HLS News & Safety Update.
As summer begins and workloads increase across many industries, now is the perfect time to review your workplace safety arrangements and ensure risks remain under control.
This month, we are highlighting key lessons from recent UK incidents involving hidden hazards, machine safety failures, and workplace fatalities. We also share practical summer safety advice, details of our new IPAF PDI Training course, and information about where you can meet the HLS team next month.
Safety Spotlight
Worker Suffers Life-Changing Injuries in Preventable Roof Fall
What happened?
A business owner has been sentenced after a worker suffered serious injuries when he fell through a fragile roof while replacing skylights. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that no measures were in place to prevent falls, and the business also had no Employers' Liability Insurance.
Why does it matter?
Falls from height remain one of the biggest causes of workplace deaths and serious injuries. This case highlights the importance of planning work at height and putting suitable controls in place.
What can you do?
- Assess risks before starting work at height.
- Use suitable fall prevention measures, such as selecting suitable equipment and fall protection systems
- Ensure workers are trained and supervised.
- Check that Employers' Liability Insurance is in place and up to date.
- Identify and clearly mark fragile roof surfaces.
- Avoid accessing fragile roofs wherever possible.
- Put suitable fall prevention measures in place before work starts.
- Ensure all roof work is properly planned, supervised and monitored.
Work at height must be properly planned and managed to protect workers and avoid enforcement action.
Read the full case study and learn how proper planning could have prevented this serious incident.
Roof Fall Caught on CCTV Leads to Prosecution
What happened?
Two construction companies were fined after a scaffolder fell more than six metres through an almost invisible roof skylight while working on a warehouse roof. The worker suffered a broken arm, broken leg and head injuries.
Why does it matter?
Fragile roof surfaces continue to cause serious injuries and fatalities in construction. This case shows the importance of properly planning, managing and monitoring all roof work.
What can you do?
Falls through fragile roofs are preventable when risks are identified and suitable controls are in place.
👉 Are your equipment checks up to date? Download our free Risk Assessment Template to help identify hazards and review workplace controls before issues arise.
The Bigger Picture: Building a Strong Safety Culture
One theme connects all two of this month's falls from height prosecution cases: effective safety management goes beyond paperwork and compliance.
Risk assessments, inspections, and procedures are most effective when they actively influence decisions on the ground. Creating a positive safety culture means encouraging people to speak up, report concerns, and continuously look for opportunities to improve.
When safety becomes part of everyday thinking, everyone benefits. This month’s incidents reinforce a simple but important message: effective planning, robust controls, equipment maintenance, and strong safety leadership save lives.
Whether you are reviewing your working at height procedures, arranging training, or looking for safer ways to complete workplace tasks, HLS is here to help.
Contact our team to discuss your requirements and discover how we can support your workplace safety goals.
HLS News
Visit HLS at Safety, Health & Wellbeing Live
The event brings together health and safety professionals from across the UK and provides a fantastic opportunity to discover the latest developments, discuss industry challenges, and share best practice.
If you are attending, make sure you stop by the HLS stand D69 to meet the team and find out how we can support your training, inspection, maintenance, and working at height requirements.
📅 1-2 July 2026
📍 Olympia London
Want to attend the event? Follow this link to get your free tickets.
Sunshine and Safety
With summer officially underway, many people will be enjoying the warmer weather. However, higher temperatures can create additional challenges for those working at height.
Hot weather can lead to dehydration, tiredness, and reduced concentration, all of which can increase the risk of mistakes and accidents. Wearing PPE can also become more uncomfortable during warmer conditions, making it even more important to take regular breaks and stay hydrated throughout the day.
If you are planning work at height this summer, consider scheduling demanding tasks during cooler parts of the day where possible, and keep an eye on changing weather conditions. A few simple precautions can help ensure everyone stays safe while making the most of the sunshine.
Read our blog for the top tips for when working at height this summer!
Free HLS Working at Height Expert Guide
Have you downloaded our free HLS Working at Height Expert Guide yet?
The guide provides practical advice, useful tips, and best practice guidance to help organisations manage work at height safely and effectively.
Whether you are reviewing your current procedures or looking for ways to improve safety performance, it is a valuable resource that is available to download free from our website.
New Course Launch: IPAF Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Training
We are pleased to announce that HLS is now offering IPAF PDI Training.
This specialist programme is designed for individuals responsible for carrying out Pre-Delivery Inspections on MEWPs, helping ensure equipment is thoroughly inspected before being supplied for use.
The course supports improved safety, equipment reliability, and industry best practice, making it an excellent addition to our growing training portfolio.
Contact our team to learn more about upcoming course dates and availability.
Final Thoughts
The stories this month highlight a simple but important lesson: workplace safety often comes down to getting the fundamentals right.
Identifying hazards, maintaining equipment, encouraging people to speak up, and acting on warning signs before incidents occur can make all the difference.
As we move further into the summer months, now is a good time to review your safety processes and ensure they remain effective as working conditions change.
If you need support with training, IPAF training, hiring MEWPs, maintenance, or safety advice, the HLS team is here to help.
