Nicholas Crow, a 65-year-old bricklayer, suffered severe head injuries and a stroke when he fell 2.6 metres through a gap in a balustrade while working for Sibbasbridge Limited in Leamington Spa. The incident occurred on July 16, 2024, at a property in Binswood Avenue.
Details of the incident
The gap had been created the previous day when railings were removed to allow old steps to be taken out. While helping to install new steps, Mr Crow plunged into a basement lightwell. He sustained serious head trauma and a stroke, leaving him with speech and memory impairments, difficulty writing, and mobility issues requiring occasional wheelchair use.
Investigation findings
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that Sibbasbridge Limited failed to implement suitable measures to prevent falls from height. The company did not produce a task-specific risk assessment for the work and failed to ensure scaffolding or other protective measures were in place before staff began replacing the steps.
Court case and fine
Sibbasbridge Limited, based at 175a Evesham Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. At Birmingham Magistrates' Court on June 29, the company was fined £16,000 and ordered to pay £7,638 in costs.
Victim impact statement
In a victim personal statement, Mr Crow's wife Sarah said: "My children feel his best years have been taken away from him - what he worked for, for nearly 50 years of his working life. To have these taken away at such a late stage is deeply regrettable, especially as he deserves more." She added: "Nick was quiet, reliable and the heart of our very close, extended family. The loss of his steadfast, constant love and support for all of us just cannot be measured."
HSE statement
HSE Inspector Zach Morris said: "This incident was entirely preventable. Sibbasbridge failed to properly plan the works and put suitable measures in place to prevent a fall. Falls from height are one of the leading causes of workplace injury and companies must ensure that all work at height is properly planned, risk-assessed and carried out using appropriate control measures to protect workers. HSE will not hesitate to take enforcement action against duty holders which fail to protect their employees while working at height. My thoughts remain with Mr Crow and his family as he continues to live with the lasting effects of the serious injuries he sustained that day."
