Anthony Murphy, 53, fell through the fragile roof when helping contractor Hugh Pattison remove vegetation from the roof of a block of garages in Knotts Yard, Whitstable, Kent.
Canterbury Magistrates' Court heard Mr Murphy suffered two broken ribs and a fractured sternum in the fall. He suffered life-threatening internal injuries, and several bones in his back were broken so badly they could not be repaired with plates.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Hugh Pattison, 44, for inadequate planning which led to the incident on the 17 February 2010.
The HSE investigation found that there was no edge protection to prevent either of the workers falling and the platforms they were working on were inadequate for the job in hand.
Hugh Pattison of Ripley Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent pleaded guilty to breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. He was fined £800 and ordered to pay costs of £200.
After the hearing Mr Murphy said: "I find it very difficult to stand for any more than about five minutes and can only walk about 25 metres with assistance. I am in constant pain in my right leg and the left side of my rib cage, which causes further pain in my spine."
"My partner has given up her college course to look after me and I have a nurse who comes in every day to help me get up, bath, dress and put on my spinal brace. I have not worked since the incident and it is unlikely that I will be able to work, drive or ride my motorcycle ever again."
HSE inspector Kevin Golding said: "Mr Murphy was extremely lucky to survive. Falls from height are the biggest killer at work and roofers account for almost a quarter of these deaths. Falls through fragile materials, such as cement roofs, account for more of these deaths than any other single cause.
"This high-hazard work should be properly planned and undertaken by trained and competent staff, with appropriate fall prevention equipment.”
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