Cumbria Construction Firm Fined After Worker Falls Through Stairwell Opening

A construction company in Cumbria has been fined £60,000 following a serious incident in which a worker fell through an unprotected floor opening, sustaining multiple injuries.

Ace Infra Ltd admitted liability after employee Mark Jones, a general labourer, was knocked through a stairwell gap onto a concrete floor, requiring a month-long hospital stay.

The accident occurred on 25 April 2024 at Ace Infra’s site at NW Auctions in Milnthorpe. Jones had been sweeping dust and debris on the first floor when a partially covered floor opening, intended for a staircase, failed to protect him. No edge barriers or warning signs were in place, and Jones had not received safety instructions regarding the area.

While moving along boards laid across part of the gap, a newly constructed wall collapsed, causing him to fall 2.5–3 metres to the concrete below, resulting in multiple fractures and a dislocated shoulder.

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) investigation concluded that the risk of falling through the gap had not been addressed, and no preventive measures or supervision were in place at the time. HSE guidance requires employers to take appropriate steps to protect workers from falls at height, including preventing access to dangerous floor openings.

Ace Infra Ltd, based in Burton, Cumbria, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 for failing to implement adequate precautions to prevent serious injury from a fall. The company was fined £60,000, ordered to pay £4,799.44 in costs, and a £2,000 victim surcharge at Lancaster Magistrates Court on 23 December.

HSE inspector Derek McLauchlan commented:

“Construction work at height carries significant risks and must be properly managed. This accident could have been prevented with suitable training and protective measures. While Mr Jones thankfully survived, a fall from this height could have had far worse consequences. Employers must learn from this incident and ensure all necessary precautions are in place.”