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PHW · Working at height · 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

Training and H&S evidence for construction sites

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Safety pack

Working at height

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Safety pack

Concrete, cement and mortar

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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, Construction company fined £33,500 after man dies following fall from height