A Manchester-based construction company has been fined after a highly experienced joiner suffered catastrophic workplace injuries when he fell through an unsecured roof opening while working on a domestic property in Altrincham.
The incident serves as another stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise when work at height is not properly planned, supervised and managed.
Adam Kirkpatrick, 53, had been subcontracted by JLM Solutions Limited to construct the timber frame for a new roof. On 22 November 2023, he was working on the roof structure when he stepped onto a sheet of plywood covering roof light openings.
The plywood had not been secured in place. It gave way beneath him, causing him to fall through the opening and sustain multiple serious injuries.
Mr Kirkpatrick’s son, who was the only other person on site after the rest of the workforce had left for the day, immediately called emergency services.
Mr Kirkpatrick was rushed to hospital where medical staff diagnosed a head injury, fractured ribs, a fractured sternum and a complete spinal cord injury. He is now paralysed from the waist down.
Speaking about the impact of the incident, Mr Kirkpatrick described how the accident changed every aspect of his life.
“I have worked in the construction industry since leaving school. I loved my job,” he said.
“I have always been able to provide for my family. Before the accident my wife had gone part time and we were making plans for retirement and spending more time with our grandchildren. This all changed due to the accident.
“It has gone from me being provider for the family to having to rely on other people.”
He added that he now experiences severe nerve pain, has no feeling below his belly button and must self-catheterise.
“Only for the NHS I wouldn’t be here today — they have saved my life.”
His wife Julie described the emotional impact on the family.
“On the day I was told that Adam would never walk again our world was turned upside down,” she said.
“Adam just loved to work. He lived for what he did and did it all for his family.
“It breaks my heart that Adam will never chase after his grandchildren again. He will never be able to play football with the boys or dance with his granddaughter.
“Everything my husband worked so hard for was to enjoy retirement and spend time with his grandchildren. That dream has been shattered since the accident.”
HSE investigation findings
Inspectors discovered that suitable measures were not in place to prevent falls from height and there was inadequate supervision of the work being undertaken.
The HSE concluded that the company had failed to ensure effective protection around the roof openings and had not implemented appropriate controls to safeguard workers operating at height.
JLM Solutions Limited, of Elliott Street, Manchester, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
At Warrington Magistrates’ Court on 26 May 2026, the company was fined £8,000 and ordered to pay £5,850 in costs alongside a victim surcharge of £2,000.
HSE Inspector Karen Farley said:
“Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of workplace death and serious injury. The risks are well known throughout the construction industry.
“This prosecution highlights the importance of properly managing work at height activities. Had suitable control measures been implemented, such as a safe working platform combined with appropriate supervision, this incident would not have occurred and Mr Kirkpatrick would not have sustained these significant life-changing injuries.”
The Workers Union comments
Jonathan Morgan, spokesperson for The Workers Union, said:
“This tragic case highlights how quickly a routine day at work can become life-changing when proper safety measures are not in place.
“Every worker and member of The Workers Union has the right to expect that work at height is properly planned, supervised and carried out using suitable equipment and effective fall prevention measures. Construction remains one of the UK’s most dangerous industries and employers must never become complacent when managing these risks.
“Our thoughts remain with Adam Kirkpatrick and his family as they continue to adapt to the devastating consequences of this incident.”
Why this case matters for UK workers
Falls from height continue to be one of the leading causes of fatal and serious injuries across the UK construction sector. The HSE repeatedly warns that unsecured coverings, inadequate supervision and poor planning remain common causes of preventable accidents.
Workers should be able to identify:
- Unsecured roof openings and skylights
- Inadequate edge protection
- Missing fall arrest systems
- Poor site supervision
- Unsafe access arrangements
- Pressure to continue working in unsafe conditions
Employers and principal contractors have legal duties to ensure work at height is properly assessed, planned and monitored. Where these duties are neglected, the consequences can be devastating for workers and their families.
As this case demonstrates, the impact of a serious workplace injury extends far beyond the job site, affecting livelihoods, health, retirement plans and family life for years to come.
