A Staffordshire-based contractor and its director have been fined following a serious fall-from-height incident during the construction of an apartment block
The case, brought by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), relates to an incident on 5 December 2023 in which a 26-year-old labourer sustained significant injuries after falling through an unprotected stairwell opening.
Unsafe work at height
The worker, employed by principal contractor BHG (Stone) Limited, had been installing wall insulation on the first floor of the development. In order to reach the upper section of the wall, he positioned a ladder across a stairwell void.
While working at height, he fell from the ladder through the opening to the ground below, suffering serious injuries, including skull and spinal fractures.
HSE findings
HSE’s investigation found that the work had not been adequately planned and that suitable control measures were not in place to prevent a fall. The stairwell opening had not been properly protected, and inappropriate equipment was used for the task.
The investigation also determined that director Alistair Howells was working nearby at the time and permitted the activity to proceed despite the evident risks.
Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, employers are required to ensure that all work at height is properly planned, supervised, and carried out using suitable equipment and safeguards.
Court outcome
BHG (Stone) Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £16,000 and ordered to pay £4,000 in costs at Telford Magistrates Court on 1 April 2026.
Howells pleaded guilty to breaching Section 37 of the same Act. He was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £1,386 in costs.
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