Home / Real cases / Skyladder Construction Limited

PHW · Roofing · 2025-10-31

Skyladder Construction Limited fined £33,500 after a man fell through an unprotected skylight and died

Farnborough · Basingstoke Magistrates' Court

What happened

A man fell around 2.5 metres through an unprotected skylight opening onto a concrete floor while a director and an employee returned to cover a new roof with a tarpaulin during rainfall. He died several days later from his injuries.

Injuries: Spinal fracture, fractured skull, possible brain bleed and head swelling; died from his injuries.

The breach

Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and Section 33(1)(e) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

The sentence

  • Fine: £33,500
  • Costs: £8,472
HSE inspector

“Falls when working at height remain the most common kind of workplace fatality, accounting for around a quarter of all worker deaths.”

What would have prevented it

Protect skylight openings at all times, including for short, unplanned return visits in bad weather.

How PHW helps

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

Sector

Roofing: show who is trained, on the day

View →
Safety pack

Working at height

View →
Quiz

Could you show a client today, in writing, that everyone who goes on a roof for you is trained and authorised to be there?

View →

Source: HSE press release, Construction company fined £33,500 after man dies following fall from height