Jason Hill, a self-employed contractor, was sentenced regarding the death of Thomas Neate who died during demolition works on a property in Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey.

In August 2023, while on a garage roof removing tiles, the teenage worker fell through an opening and suffered severe head injuries. He was taken to hospital but died several weeks later on 23rd September.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that contractor Hill had not put any measures in place to prevent a fall from height. Work was carried out directly from the roof with no scaffolding, decking or other protective systems in place.

During the course of the HSE investigation, other concerns were identified, including unsafe mini-digger use and a failure to stop members of the public entering the site.

Traces of asbestos cement were also found on the site, with these removed improperly by hand and no assessment carried out beforehand to determine whether toxic materials were present. Three other workers at the site were found to be at risk of fibre exposure.

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Hill pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 at Staines Magistrates on 30th January and immediately jailed. No costs were awarded.

The family of the deceased provided a statement to the HSE.

“Tom was a kindhearted and hard-working young man who was such a huge part of so many people’s lives,” this read.

“His loss has devastated us and knowing it could have been avoided makes that loss even harder to bear.

“We can only hope that this case serves as a warning to others that ignoring health and safety has irreversible consequences.”

Jennifer Lester, HSE inspector, added: “Even small contractors and individuals working on domestic projects have a legal duty to ensure the safety of workers and members of the public.

“Failing to take these precautions can have devastating consequences, as this tragic incident starkly demonstrates.

“Our thoughts are with Tom’s family and friends as they mourn their loss.”

This HSE prosecution was brought by enforcement lawyer Julian White and paralegal officer Lynne Thomas.