UPDATE: A construction company has been hit with a £33,500 fine following the tragic death of a worker who fell through a skylight in Farnborough. This urgent ruling was delivered on October 31 at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court, underscoring severe breaches of safety regulations.
The firm, Skyladder Construction Limited, pleaded guilty to violations of the Work at Height Regulations (2005) and the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974). The incident occurred on the evening of July 20, 2022, when Bhakta Rai was assisting with tarpaulin coverage on a building site. He fell approximately 2.5 metres through an unprotected skylight opening, landing on the concrete floor below.
Authorities confirmed that Mr. Rai suffered catastrophic injuries, including a spinal fracture, fractured skull, and significant swelling. He was transported to the hospital in a van without an ambulance and tragically succumbed to his injuries days later.
A report from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed alarming deficiencies in safety measures at the site. No protective barriers were installed around the edges or skylight openings, significantly increasing the risk of falls. The HSE also indicated that Skyladder failed to provide required safety information, constituting an additional offense.
In the aftermath of the court proceedings, HSE Inspector Jenny Morris stated, “Falls when working at height remain the most common kind of workplace fatality, accounting for around a quarter of all worker deaths. In this case, this was a wholly avoidable incident — Mr. Rai died in a fall which should never have been able to happen.”
The company has also been ordered to pay an additional £8,472 in costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge. This case highlights the critical importance of workplace safety regulations and the devastating consequences of neglecting them.
As investigations continue, the construction industry faces renewed scrutiny over safety practices, prompting urgent discussions about enhancing worker protection measures. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
