Construction company fined over £33,000 after worker dies falling through skylight opening in Farnborough
The worker fell approximately 2.5 metres onto a concrete floor below
A construction company in Farnborough has been fined £33,500 after a worker died falling through an unprotected skylight opening.
The incident happened on the night of 20th July 2022 while Skyladder Construction Limited was working on a single-storey extension at a domestic property.
Heavy rain prompted the company director and an employee to return to the site at around 11pm to secure the unfinished roof with a tarpaulin.
Bhakta Rai, who accompanied the employee, went onto the roof to assist and fell through a skylight opening, dropping approximately 2.5 metres onto a concrete floor below.
Mr Rai was critically injured, suffering a spinal fracture, a fractured skull, a possible brain bleed, and swelling to his head.
In a recovery attempt, he was lifted back through the roof, carried down a ladder, and transported to hospital in a van instead of an ambulance.
He died several days later.
Investigation findings
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched an investigation and found serious safety failings at Skyladder Construction Limited.
The company had not implemented adequate measures to prevent falls from height.
There were no physical protections like barriers or safety nets around the skylight openings or roof edges.
Additionally, the company failed to comply with a legal request for information during the investigation, an offence under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
HSE Inspector Jenny Morris commented:
“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.”
On 31st October 2025, Skyladder Construction Limited pleaded guilty at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court to breaching Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and Section 33(1)(e) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
The company was fined £33,500, ordered to pay £8,472 in costs, and a victim surcharge of £2,000.
In response, HSE emphasized the importance of adhering to guidelines for safe work at height. These guidelines outline practical steps to eliminate risks, such as securing hazardous openings and implementing proper safety measures.