Construction Company Fined After Fall Through Unglazed Window Opening

Brief Summary

A worker fell from an external scaffolding platform through an unglazed window void and died from his injuries several days later. The investigation found the company did not put suitable fall prevention measures in place promptly once the risk area existed and also failed to ensure weekly scaffolding inspections were carried out, which affected the chance to identify and control the hazards at the right time.

What Was The Incident?

On 27 July 2022, a labourer working on a redevelopment site fell more than three metres from an external scaffolding platform through an unglazed window void. The opening had been created in one wall to install glazed Juliet doors. When some delivered doors were not installed due to damaged glazing panels, the company had recognised that the unglazed window voids created a risk to workers on the scaffolding platform. Protective boarding was not installed until the hours after the fall.

What Was The Outcome?

The company pleaded guilty to contravening Regulation 13(1) of the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015. It was fined £50,000 and ordered to pay costs of £11,347. 

Key Points To Consider

Control fall risks as soon as openings are created. If a window void or similar opening is created, put in place reasonably practicable protections immediately so people working at height have no opportunity to fall through.

HSE Prosecution Link