A self-employed contractor, Jason Hill, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after a 19-year-old worker, Thomas “Tom” Neate, died following a fall through an unprotected garage roof while helping with demolition work in Surrey. An HSE investigation found that no fall prevention measures — such as scaffolding, edge protection, or safe work planning — were in place, despite clear risks. The incident occurred in August 2023 and Tom later died in hospital from his injuries. Hill pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The teenager’s family described him as kind-hearted and hard-working, emphasising that the tragedy was entirely preventable.

Qualvaris Perspective:
At QUALVARIS, this tragic case underscores the critical importance of proactive risk management and safe systems of work, especially in demolition and other high-hazard activities. Fundamental safety measures — including thorough risk assessments, appropriate fall protection, competent supervision, and proper planning — are not optional; they are essential to prevent loss of life. Working at height remains one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and this incident demonstrates how easily basic failures in planning and controls can lead to irreversible consequences.