A construction company has been fined £20,000 for failing to properly plan the work
A construction worker sustained life-changing injuries after plunging from a Wimbledon loft in an “entirely avoidable” incident. Mark Smith had been stripping out internal insulation within the home’s roof space on May 13, 2024, when the nasty fall occurred.
The 41-year-old stepped on an unidentified and unprotected loft hatch, sending him crashing 11 feet to the floor below. The roofer landed on his back, fracturing his hip and L1 vertebra.
Mark has been unable to return to work and his employment was later terminated by Hampshire-based Willow Services (Southern) Limited. A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation concluded the company had failed to suitably plan the work at height.
Bosses did not ensure adequate measures were in place to prevent falls and had failed to provide competent supervision of the work. Those overseeing the work also did not have the necessary training or experience to safely manage construction‑related activities.
HSE inspector Laurence Goodacre said: “Falls from height remain the leading cause of fatal incidents in the workplace, particularly within the construction industry.
“This incident was entirely avoidable and resulted from a failure to properly plan the work and provide competent supervision. Had the loft hatch been identified and protected at the planning stage, Mr Smith would not have suffered these life‑changing injuries.”
Willow Services (Southern) Ltd, of Westbrooke Close, Waterlooville, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. The company was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay £5,607 in costs at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on April 30, 2026.
Got a story for MyLondon? Get in touch via [email protected]
Looking for more from MyLondon? Subscribe to our daily newsletters here for the latest and greatest updates from across London.
