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PHW · Working at height · 2026-01-30

A self-employed demolition contractor in Staines-upon-Thames sentenced after a worker fell through an unprotected roof opening and died

Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey · Staines Magistrates' Court

What happened

A self-employed contractor hired a worker to help demolish a garage. While the worker was removing tiles from the garage roof he fell through an unprotected opening in the roof.

Injuries: The worker suffered severe head injuries and died several weeks later.

The breach

Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

The sentence

  • Other sentence: 12 months imprisonment
HSE inspector

“Even small contractors and individuals working on domestic projects have a legal duty to ensure the safety of workers and members of the public.”

What would have prevented it

Roof openings must be identified and protected before any work at height begins, even on small domestic demolition jobs.

How PHW helps

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

Sector

Training and H&S evidence for small contractors and roadworks crews

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Safety pack

Working at height

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Safety pack

Garage and Workshop Safety

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Quiz

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

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Source: HSE press release, Contractor jailed after kind-hearted teen fell to death during demolition works