Scaffolder 'lucky to be alive' after fall - HSE

Two construction companies have been fined almost £80,000 after a scaffolder fell through a warehouse skylight while working on a fragile roof, leaving him "lucky to be alive".

James Cranswick, 26, suffered head injuries while installing temporary scaffolding at Acre Mills in Keighley in January 2025, Leeds Magistrates' Court heard.

Clover Access System Ltd and STM360 Ltd, both based in Castleford, pleaded guilty to breaching construction regulations at a hearing last week.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said the incident was "wholly avoidable". Both companies have been contacted for comment.

As well as injuries to his head, Cranswick broke an arm and a leg, the HSE said.

CCTV footage captured the moment he fell more than 20ft (6m) on to a pallet truck before landing on a concrete floor.

The safety regulator described the skylight as "almost invisible" to workers and said the contractors had failed to properly plan and manage the roof work.

An investigation by the HSE found Clover Access Systems and STM360 both failed to monitor the scaffolders' work and did not put measures in place to prevent the workers falling from the unit or through the roof.

Investigators said Cranswick was unaware of any fragile roof elements.

Clover Access Systems was fined £26,000 and ordered to pay costs and a victim surcharge. The company is now in liquidation.

STM360 was fined £53,300 and was also ordered to pay costs and a victim surcharge.

HSE Inspector Shauna Halstead said Cranswick was "lucky to be alive" after the incident.

She said: "His fall was wholly avoidable; the risks associated with work on, or around fragile surfaces are well known, and HSE guidance is available to assist companies in complying with the law."

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