Construction firm fined as worker left with life-changing injuries following fall

While replacing steps at a residential property, the worker fell more than two metres through an unguarded/uncovered gap in a balustrade into a basement lightwell.

The gap was created the day before the incident as railings were removed so the old steps to be replaced could be taken out. The worker fell through the opening and landed on the floor suffering serious injuries resulting in a stroke.

Since the incident, the worker has experienced difficulty carrying out everyday tasks, has mobility issues and has been left with speech and memory impairments.

The HSE found that the construction firm failed to have in place suitable and sufficient measures to prevent a fall from height. The firm also failed to produce and implement a specific risk assessment and failed to safeguard workers against the risk of the opening by having protective measures in place.

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