Construction company fined after worker fell from height

Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court heard how, on 22 October 2015, a sub-contractor working for King Builders (Gloucester) Ltd, suffered fractured vertebrae, chest and head injuries after falling through an unprotected skylight.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that King Builders (Gloucester), which was the principal contractor, failed to ensure the safety of those working on the roof. The investigation also found that there were a number of places on the site at Pitt Street, Gloucester where someone could have fallen.

King Builders (Gloucester) was convicted of breaching Regulation 4 (1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and have been fined £30,000 and ordered to pay costs of £18,281.70.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Simon Chilcott said: “Those in control of work have a responsibility to ensure safe methods of working are used and to maintain control of those working for them.

“If simple precautions, such as a robust cover or scaffolding, had been in place prior to the incident, the serious injuries sustained by the sub-contractor could have been prevented.”