Renols Lleshi, 19, was helping to dismantle scaffolding on the 12th floor roof garden of a block of flats being built at the Ark Soane Academy site in July 2023. As he stepped onto a ventilation shaft the covering gave way, and he fell six floors to his death.
Renols’ father said, “My family and I are devastated by the loss of Renols. To know that his death was caused by an accident which was entirely avoidable only makes our loss even harder to cope with. We are grateful to the Health & Safety Executive for their efforts to investigate the accident and prosecute one of those responsible for Renols’ death. However, nothing anybody can do can bring our loved one back or lessen our grief in any way.”
A HSE investigation found that the ventilation shaft had been covered only by a sheet of plasterboard and roofing foam. Routine inspections of the building did not include the roof garden area, meaning the inadequate covering went undetected and no warning was given to the scaffolding team.
HSE guidance on working at height states that employers should carry out as much work as possible from the ground and ensure workers can safely access and leave areas where work at height is required. Equipment used for working at height must be suitable, stable and strong enough for the task and properly maintained.
Employers and those in control of work at height must ensure activities are properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent people, including the use of appropriate equipment.
Jerram Falkus Construction Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. The company was fined £42,200, a surcharge of £2,000 and ordered to pay £5,000 in costs.
HSE Inspector Natalie Prince said, “Falls from height are one of the biggest causes of workplace fatalities and major injuries. This was a wholly avoidable incident that led to the death of a young man. My thoughts are with Renols’ family and friends.”
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