Construction Company Fined After Fatal Fall From First Floor

Brief Summary

During a domestic refurbishment a worker fell from the first floor to the concrete ground floor after sections of flooring and some joists had been removed or left unsecured. The investigation found the work at height was not properly planned, supervised or carried out safely. The case is a reminder to health and safety professionals to check planning, access controls and supervision on jobs that expose workers to falls from height.

What Was The Incident?

Work was taking place to replace rotten floor joists and floorboards at a domestic property. Large parts of the first floor structure had been stripped back so there were open gaps between joists and some joists were missing or not secured. A 59 year old carpenter working in that area fell from the first floor to the concrete ground floor below, suffered severe head injuries and died the following day. A joint investigation found the work at height had not been properly planned, appropriately supervised or carried out safely, and that workers could access exposed areas while others were removing floorboards.

What Was The Outcome?

Following the investigation, a Prohibition Notice was served to stop further work at height until adequate safety measures were introduced. At court the construction company pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. The company was fined
20,000 and ordered to pay costs of ,247. After the incident the company adopted a method of installing floor joists from below using appropriate work at height equipment and prevented access to the first floor while the work was carried out.

Key Points To Consider

Plan and sequence work at height. Review task plans and method statements so removal and replacement of structural elements are sequenced to avoid exposed openings being accessible while other work continues; record control measures and confirm they are in place before work starts.

Verify supervision and competence. Check that supervisors understand the hazards, that workers are appointed who are competent for work at height, and that supervision is sufficient to stop unsafe activities when conditions change.

Control access and use appropriate measures. Prevent access to areas with missing or unsecured flooring until safe temporary supports and work at height equipment are in place; consider installing structural elements from below where that reduces fall risk.

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