Colin Cooper, owner and director of IC Roofing, based in the Hackhurst Lane Industrial Estate, Lower Dicker, was charged on Wednesday after a police investigation into the death of Darren Hoofe.
Mr Hoofe, 20, had been carrying out roofing repairs at the Bellbrook Industrial Estate in Uckfield in November 2005 when he fell through a skylight on to the factory floor below.
He was taken to hospital with head injuries sustained in the fall but died the following day.
Sussex Police and the Health and Safety Executive launched an investigation into the circumstances of Mr Hoofe's death, which culminated in Mr Cooper being charged with manslaughter and offences under the Heath and Safety at Work Act.
Wealden Detective Inspector Colin Dowle called the incident a 'particularly tragic event'.
He said, "Sussex Police have worked closely with the HSE to bring this matter before the courts."
IC Roofing was established in 1992 and operates throughout Sussex, Kent and Hampshire. On its website it says all its operatives are experienced and work safely at all times, complying with health and safety policies audited by advisers the Health and Safety People.
Its clients have included Caffyns, Lloyds TSB, Harold Stiles Williams and Alfa Laval Pumps.
An inquest into Mr Hoofe's death is yet to be held.