Two firms fined after scaffolder plummets 20ft through 'invisible' skylight

James Cranswick, 26, had been installing temporary scaffolding edge protection at a warehouse in Yorkshire when the incident took place.

CCTV footage shows Mr Cranswick falling onto a pallet truck before landing more than six metres onto the concrete warehouse floor below. 

According to HSE’s investigation, Clover Access Systems Limited and STM360 Limited had failed to plan, manage and monitor work being done by scaffolders at the unit.

There were no measures were in place to prevent a fall from the edge of the unit, or through the fragile elements of the roof. 

The broken skylight through which Mr Cranswick stepped and fell. Photograph: HSE

The skylights of the unit were almost “invisible” to Mr Cranswick, who had been carrying materials from one end of the unit to the other, when he stepped on one.

Investigating HSE Inspector Shauna Halstead, said: “Mr Cranswick is lucky to be alive after this incident.  

“His fall was wholly avoidable; the risks associated with work on, or around fragile surfaces are well-known, and HSE guidance is available to assist companies in complying with the law.”

HSE guidance says that those in control of roof work should firstly avoid the need for access to fragile roofs, according to the hierarchy of risk. 

Clover Access Systems Limited were fined £26,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,866 at Leeds Magistrates Court for breaching The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, Regulation 15. The company are now in liquidation. 

STM360 Limited was fined £53,300 and ordered to pay £3,167 in costs for breaching The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.

HSE guidance on health and safety in roof work (PDF) can be found here