A construction company based in the North West of England has been fined £60,000 after a serious workplace incident left an employee with life-changing injuries, once again highlighting the devastating consequences of poor health and safety management on construction sites.
What Happened?
On 25 April 2024, Ace Infra Ltd was carrying out construction work at a site, when an employee suffered a serious fall from height.
An operative was sweeping dust and debris on the first floor of the building at the end of the working day. Earlier that day, boards had been placed across a large opening in the floor where a staircase was due to be installed. However:
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The boards did not fully cover the opening
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No edge protection was installed
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No warning signage was in place
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The operative had received no safety briefing or instruction
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No site supervisor or manager was present
While sweeping along the boards, a newly constructed wall collapsed, knocking the operative through the unprotected edge and onto the concrete floor 2.5–3 metres below.
The Consequences
The operative suffered multiple fractures and a dislocated shoulder, spending a month in hospital recovering from his injuries.
Following an investigation, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that:
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The risk of falling through the floor opening had not been assessed
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No preventative control measures were implemented
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The injured worker had not been informed of the risks
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There was a lack of supervision and planning
The company pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
At Lancaster Magistrates’ Court on 23 December, the company was ordered to pay:
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£60,000 fine
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£4,799.44 in costs
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£2,000 victim surcharge
HSE Response
HSE Inspector said:
“Everyone working in construction has a responsibility to ensure that people are safe. Any work at height is potentially high-risk and requires proper planning and implementation.
This incident could have been avoided had appropriate control measures and training been in place.”
Key Lessons for the Construction Industry
This incident reinforces several critical health and safety lessons:
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Open floor edges and voids must always be protected
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Temporary solutions must be suitable, sufficient, and secure
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Workers must receive clear instructions and training
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Supervision is essential, especially when working at height
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Risk assessments must be task-specific and up to date
Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of fatal and serious injuries in construction. Incidents like this are not accidents—they are preventable failures.
How Alpha Health & Safety Training Solutions Can Help
At Alpha Health & Safety Training Solutions, we help construction businesses prevent incidents like this by ensuring they meet their legal duties and, more importantly, keep their workforce safe.
✅ Work at Height Training
We provide comprehensive Work at Height training that covers:
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Identifying fall hazards
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Correct use of edge protection and coverings
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Legal responsibilities under the Work at Height Regulations 2005
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Practical, real-world site scenarios
✅ Site Supervisor & Management Training
A lack of supervision was a key failure in this case. Our training helps supervisors and managers:
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Understand their legal responsibilities
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Carry out effective risk assessments
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Plan and monitor high-risk work
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Challenge unsafe practices before incidents occur
✅ Risk Assessment & Method Statement Support (RAMS)
We assist businesses in creating clear, compliant RAMS, ensuring hazards such as floor openings, temporary works, and unstable structures are properly controlled.
✅ Ongoing Safety Support
From toolbox talks to site audits, Alpha provides practical, no-nonsense safety support tailored to construction environments—helping you stay compliant and protect your workforce.
Final Thoughts
This case serves as a stark reminder that cutting corners on safety costs far more in the long run—financially, legally, and humanly.
With the right training, planning, and supervision, this incident could have been avoided.
If you want to protect your workers, your reputation, and your business, Alpha Health & Safety Training Solutions is here to help.
Because everyone deserves to go home safe at the end of the day.
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