Construction Company And Director Sentenced After Worker Fell Through Stairwell Opening

Brief Summary

A 26 year old labourer suffered serious injuries after falling through an unprotected stairwell opening during apartment block construction. The court found failures in planning and controlling work at height, and both the company and director were sentenced, reinforcing the need for proper risk assessment and suitable fall prevention measures.

What Was The Incident?

On 5 December 2023, a worker installing wall insulation on the first floor used a ladder positioned across a stairwell opening to reach the wall corner. While carrying out the task, he fell through the opening to the ground below, resulting in fractures to his skull and back.

What Was The Outcome?

The company BHG (Stone) Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. It was fined £16,000 and ordered to pay £4,000 in costs. Director Alistair Howells pleaded guilty to breaching Section 37 of the same Act. He was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £1,386 in costs.

What Lessons Can Be Learnt?

Plan work at height properly before work starts. The investigation found work at height was not properly planned. Risk assessment should identify fall hazards such as openings and set out how the work will be sequenced and controlled to reduce the risk of falls.

Provide suitable measures to prevent or protect against falls. The stairwell opening was not properly protected. Use appropriate control measures and suitable work equipment to prevent falls or limit the consequences if a fall occurs.

Ensure safe systems of work are actually followed. HSE found the work was allowed to be carried out in an unsafe manner. Management should check that on site arrangements reflect the risk assessment and that controls are implemented consistently.

Supervision and management involvement matter. The director was working in close proximity to the injured worker and allowed unsafe working. Leadership on site should actively support safe working and stop practices that do not meet required standards.

Review equipment choices for access tasks. A ladder was used across the stairwell opening as part of the insulation installation. Assess whether the chosen method and equipment create unacceptable hazards around openings and ensure the equipment and positioning are suitable for the task.

HSE Prosecution Link