02/02/2026
The family of a teenager killed during demolition works have warned that ignoring health and safety ‘has irreversible consequences’.
Thomas Neate - known as Tom - was on a garage roof removing tiles and other materials when he fell through an opening and suffered severe head injuries.
The 19-year-old was taken to hospital but died several weeks later on 23 September.
Jason Hill, a self‑employed contractor, has been jailed for 12 months after he failed to put any measures in place to prevent a fall from height, despite the clear risk.
Work was being carried out directly from the roof with no scaffolding, decking, or other protective systems to prevent a person falling through or from the structure.
Working at height remains one of the leading causes of workplace injury and death.
In a statement, Tom's family said: "Tom was a kind hearted and hard working young man who was such a huge part of so many people’s lives.
"His death should never have happened and while we acknowledge the court’s decision, no sentence can reflect what we have lost.
“We can only hope that this case serves as a warning to others that ignoring health and safety has irreversible consequences.”
You can read more about the case here: https://press.hse.gov.uk/2026/02/02/contractor-jailed-after-kind-hearted-teen-fell-to-death-during-demolition-works/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=prosecution_push
