Two Yorkshire property companies have been fined more than £95,000 after a worker fell whilst working at height through a fragile rooflight at a factory in Keighley, suffering serious workplace leg injuries after becoming impaled on machinery below. The shocking incident, which occurred on 8 July 2022 at Cirteq Ltd, Hayfield Mills, highlights once again the critical importance of proper safety planning and understanding the risks and regulations when working at height.
The man had been over-cladding an existing asbestos cement roof with two colleagues when he stepped onto a fragile section, crashing through the roof and falling onto industrial machinery inside the factory. Firefighters were called to assist in an intricate rescue operation after the worker became impaled. Remarkably, despite the severity of the situation, he escaped with relatively minor injuries, but it could have been much worse.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched a thorough investigation which uncovered a catalogue of failings by both companies involved — A.T. Lee Properties Limited and LJH Property Limited. The inquiry found that neither business had adequately planned or supervised the works, and crucially, both failed to ensure appropriate preventative and protective measures were in place to mitigate the risks associated with roof work.
Investigators revealed that A.T. Lee Properties Limited, the principal contractor, had not ensured that work was carried out safely or that suitable access equipment and tools were used. Its subcontractor, LJH Property Limited, was also found to have conducted insufficient risk assessments and failed to manage or monitor the work in accordance with safe working standards.
At Leeds Magistrates’ Court on 1 October 2025, both firms were prosecuted by the HSE:
- A.T. Lee Properties Limited, of Leardene House, Draughton, Skipton, North Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £47,783 and ordered to pay £2,386 in costs.
- Company director Neil Cryer pleaded guilty to breaching Section 37(1) of the same Act. He received a two-year conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £2,369 in costs.
- LJH Property Limited, of Moorfield Drive, Baildon, Shipley, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Act. The company was fined £47,818 and ordered to pay £2,518 in costs.
- Director Luke Hudson also admitted breaching Section 37(1) and received a two-year conditional discharge, with £2,369 in costs.
Following sentencing, HSE principal inspector Paul Thompson said:
“People working on the roof and those within the factory below were placed at serious risk. Had the man fallen just a short distance either side of where he was impaled, the outcome could have been catastrophic.
Work at height remains the leading cause of workplace fatalities. This incident could and should have been avoided had the work been properly planned, managed, and monitored.”
The HSE continues to urge all UK employers, contractors, and property developers to review its guidance on working at height, which offers detailed steps on how to plan, supervise, and carry out such work safely. The guidance also covers principal contractor responsibilities, providing clear direction on ensuring workers are not placed at unnecessary risk.
This case serves as a powerful reminder to all employers that safety cannot be an afterthought. Proper planning and training not only protect workers but also safeguard businesses from costly prosecutions and reputational damage.
At The Workers Union, we continue to support and inform the UK’s workforce by highlighting the importance of workplace safety, risk awareness, and employer accountability. Incidents such as this demonstrate why every worker — regardless of role or location — deserves a workplace where their safety is prioritised and their welfare respected.
We encourage all employers undertaking construction or maintenance projects involving roof access to review their safety protocols, ensure that fragile surfaces are clearly identified and protected, and that suitable fall prevention measures are always in place. By doing so, the risk of tragic accidents can be significantly reduced, and the message of “safety first, always” can be made a daily reality for every UK worker.
