An Aston-by-Stone construction company, and its director, have been sentenced after a worker suffered serious injuries in a fall during the construction of an apartment block in Staffordshire.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found the work had not been properly planned and that suitable measures had not been put in place to prevent, or protect against, a fall from height.
The injured worker was 26 at the time of the incident, which happened on Tuesday 5 December 2023. HSE said he had been appointed by BHG (Stone) Limited, the principal contractor, as a labourer and was helping with the installation of wall insulation on the first floor of the building.
To reach the top corner of the wall, the worker placed a ladder across the stairwell opening. While carrying out the task, he fell from the ladder through the opening to the ground below. The fall resulted in serious injuries, including fractures to his skull and back.
The investigation also found that company director Alistair Howells was working in close proximity to the injured worker and had allowed the work to be carried out in an unsafe manner. HSE said the case underlined the importance of proper planning, supervision and suitable equipment when work is carried out at height.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require work at height to be properly planned, appropriately supervised and carried out in a safe manner. HSE guidance also highlights the importance of using suitable work equipment and putting effective control measures in place to prevent falls.
BHG (Stone) Limited, of Michaelmas Barn, Aston Lane, Aston-by-Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 0BW, pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £16,000 and ordered to pay £4,000 in costs at Telford Magistrates Court on Wednesday 1 April 2026.
Alistair Howells, 58, of the same Aston-by-Stone address, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. He was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £1,386 in costs at the same hearing.
HSE inspector Sara Andrews said:
“This incident highlights the importance of undertaking a thorough assessment of the risks associated with all work at height activities and ensuring suitable control measures are in place.
“Had the work been properly planned and sequenced, and suitable work equipment provided, this incident would not have happened.”
