Construction Company Fined After Fall From Height During Step Replacement

Brief Summary

A worker sustained life changing injuries after a fall from height at a residential property when steps were being replaced. The Health and Safety Executive found the work was not properly planned or protected, including missing task specific risk assessment or method statement and no suitable protective measures such as scaffolding before work started.

What Was The Incident?

On 16 July 2024, a bricklayer working at a domestic property in Leamington Spa fell more than two metres through an unguarded gap in a balustrade into a basement lightwell, about 2.6 metres below. The gap had been created the day before when railings were removed to allow old steps to be taken out. When helping to install new steps, he fell through the opening and landed on the floor below.

What Was The Outcome?

The construction company pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. It was fined £16,000 and ordered to pay £7,638 in costs.

Key Points To Consider

Plan work at height in detail before anyone starts. Ensure the method of work is properly planned and that all stages of the work are covered, not just the final step replacement.

Use task specific risk assessment and method statements. Carry out a task specific risk assessment and have a method statement for the exact work being done, including the risks created by openings and removed barriers.

Put physical fall prevention controls in place first. Before employees begin the work, provide suitable and sufficient protective measures such as scaffolding, guardrails or coverings to prevent a fall from height.

Control hazards created by changing site conditions. When openings are created for construction tasks, treat them as live hazards and ensure suitable protection is in place for the entire duration of the work.

Remember that falls from height remain a priority enforcement area. Falls from height are a leading cause of workplace injury, so employers should ensure compliance through effective planning, risk assessment and suitable control measures.

HSE Prosecution Link