Teen Worker Falls Through Roof Light Opening in Shocking Site Safety Fail
A 17-year-old construction worker suffered horrific injuries after plunging more than three metres through an unguarded skylight opening on a Gloucester building site.
Teen Takes Nasty Fall at Gloucester Site
On 20 August 2018, the young employee of Mark Holland Group Ltd stepped onto a sheet of insulation covering a fragile roof light on the first floor of a site on Southgate Street. The sheet gave way, sending him crashing down. He broke multiple bones in his right leg and foot and underwent two operations. Doctors say he is unlikely to ever work in construction again.
Site Safety Neglected: No Warnings or Barriers
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation exposed shocking safety failures. The area around the skylight was unmarked and unguarded, with no physical warnings or barriers to prevent workers wandering onto the fragile surface. The injured teen had no proper supervision and was never warned about the danger.
Company Fined Over £55k for Safety Breaches
Mark Holland Group Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching safety regulations under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. Despite the serious accident, the company continued to flout rules on work-at-height planning and supervision. HSE later discovered numerous other failings on the same site.
The firm was slapped with a £55,620 fine at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court.
“This worker’s injuries were life changing and he could have easily been killed,” said HSE inspector Laura Banks. “This serious incident and devastation could have been avoided if basic safeguards had been put in place.”
“Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of injuries in the country. Those in control of work at height should know HSE will not hesitate to take enforcement action against those who fall below required standards.”
