Construction Firm Fined After Labourer Fell Through Inadequately Covered Ventilation Shaft

Brief Summary

A construction firm was fined after a labourer died when he fell six floors through an unsafe ventilation shaft covering. The Health and Safety Executive found the shaft was protected only by plasterboard and roofing foam, and routine inspections did not include the roof garden area, so the risk went unnoticed. The case highlights the need for effective inspection coverage and safe access and work at height planning.

What Was The Incident?

On 5 July 2023, Renols Lleshi, 19, was helping to dismantle scaffolding on the 12th floor roof garden of a block of flats at the Ark Soane Academy site in London. When he stepped onto a ventilation shaft, the covering gave way and he fell six floors to his death.

What Was The Outcome?

Jerram Falkus Construction Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. The company was fined £40,200, with a £2,000 surcharge and £5,000 costs, ordered at City of London Magistrates Court on 18 March 2026.

What Lessons Can Be Learnt?

Treat covers for openings as part of working at height controls. Where workers may step onto or near openings, the covering must be suitable, stable and strong enough for the task, not temporary materials that can give way.

Ensure inspection routines cover the actual roof garden areas. Routine building inspections did not include the roof garden area, which meant an inadequate shaft covering went undetected and no warning was provided to the scaffolding team.

Plan work so risks are identified before workers access areas. The outcome was linked to a failure to spot the hazard prior to the activity. Planning should include checking that safe access and exit routes are protected where height work is carried out.

Use proper equipment and arrangements for safe access and egress. HSE guidance emphasises that as much work as possible should be done from ground level and that workers must be able to safely access and leave areas where work at height is required.

Supervise and carry out working at height using competent arrangements. Activities should be properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent people, supported by appropriate equipment that remains suitable throughout the work sequence.

HSE Prosecution Link