PHW

Home / Real cases / Jerram Falkus Construction Limited

PHW · Construction · 2026-03-18

Jerram Falkus Construction Limited fined £40,200 after a labourer fell six floors through a covered shaft

London · City of London Magistrates' Court

What happened

A teenage labourer was dismantling scaffolding on a 12th floor roof garden when he stepped onto a ventilation shaft covered only by plasterboard and roofing foam. The covering collapsed and he fell six floors.

Injuries: Fatal.

The breach

Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005

The sentence

  • Fine: £40,200
  • Costs: £5,000
HSE inspector

“Falls from height are one of the biggest causes of workplace fatalities and major injuries.”

What would have prevented it

Fragile surfaces such as temporary shaft coverings must be identified, clearly marked and protected before anyone works near them.

How PHW helps

The machines, packs and quizzes that fit this kind of site.

Sector

Training and H&S evidence for construction sites

View →
Safety pack

Working at height

View →
Quiz

Could you show a site manager today, in writing, that each operator is authorised to use your machines?

View →

Source: HSE press release, Construction firm fined after death of teenage labourer