Romero Catholic Academy Trust, responsible for 16 schools across the North West of England, has been fined £32,000 after a site supervisor suffered traumatic, life-changing injuries following a fall from a school roof. The incident occurred on 2 September 2024, when Robert Baker fell from the roof of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Burnley, landing on a concrete playground. The Trust was also ordered to pay costs of £6,360 at Warrington Magistrates Court on 14 July 2026.
No risk assessment in place for work at height task
Mr. Baker, working as a site supervisor during an inset day, had ascended to the roof on an unsecured ladder to retrieve footballs. A short time after his fall, he was discovered on the ground by a member of the public. The severe impact resulted in Mr. Baker sustaining significant injuries, including bleeding on the brain and fractures to his face, hand, and foot. The long-term consequences of the fall have profoundly affected his daily life, leading to ongoing memory problems, difficulties with speech, and challenges with routine cognitive tasks such as operating household appliances.
An investigation conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed failings in workplace safety protocols. Investigators found that the school roof lacked essential edge protection or any other measures designed to prevent or mitigate a fall from height. Furthermore, the Romero Catholic Academy Trust did not possess a standalone work at height risk assessment or a safe system of work, which would have outlined the necessary precautions for safely undertaking such tasks. HSE guidance clearly stipulates the obligations employers have to protect their employees from falls from height, a leading cause of workplace fatalities.
Mr. Baker has shared the profound impact of the incident, stating, “The effects of the subdural hematoma have had a significant and ongoing impact on my daily life. My recovery has been extremely difficult. At one point, doctors were unsure whether I would survive and if I did they couldn’t say if I would ever walk again.” Prior to the incident, Mr. Baker was an active member of a car club, organising group attendance at shows. He no longer participates due to concentration difficulties and expresses significant concern about his future employment prospects and the implications for his family.
Falls from height continue to be the most prevalent cause of fatal injuries in British workplaces, accounting for over a quarter of all work-related deaths in the 2025/26 period, according to the latest HSE statistics. This tragic incident underscores the critical importance of robust safety planning and the implementation of effective control measures when work at height is undertaken. The HSE also provides specific guidance for employers on simple and sensible precautions for safe ladder use, developed in collaboration with the Ladder Association.
The Romero Catholic Academy Trust of Padiham, Burnley, pleaded guilty to breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The fine of £32,000 was significantly reduced from its initial starting point, acknowledging the Trust’s status as a non-profit charitable organisation.
HM Inspector Derek Mclauchlan commented on the case, stating, “This was a tragic incident that will have a lifelong impact on Mr Baker. Proper planning, assessment of the risks and control measures should be implemented. This incident could have been avoided had these been in place. The harm in this case was traumatic and life changing for Mr Baker. There are clear lessons that should be learned from this when working at height.” The HSE prosecution was led by Enforcement Lawyer Matthew Reynolds and Paralegal Officer Hannah Snelling.
This story was originally published by HSE Media Centre.
