Manufacturer fined after contractor suffers fatal fall through skylight

A Birmingham-based carton manufacturer has been fined £200,000 after a contractor suffered fatal head injuries after falling through a broken skylight.

Birmingham Magistrates’ Court heard how a contractor working for Landor Cartons at Devon Street, fell six metres through a broken skylight in the roof to the factory floor below.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident found that the company failed to assess the risks of working at height.

Landor Cartons was also ordered to pay costs of £12,569.52.

HSE inspector Christopher Maher said: “Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work related fatalities in this country and the risks associated with working at height are well known.

“In this case the duty holder failed to properly assess the risks and introduce a system of work that could have easily prevented this death. Duty holders have a duty to protect not only their employees but also their contractors.”