CCTV Footage Captures Harrowing Moment Worker Falls Through Roof
The Incident
A court fined two construction companies £79,300 after a scaffolder fell through a roof skylight. The worker broke his arm and leg and suffered head lacerations.
The incident occurred at an Acre Mills warehouse in Keighley, West Yorkshire. At the time, 26-year-old James Cranswick was installing temporary scaffolding edge protection for Clover Access Systems Limited.
Shocking CCTV footage shows Mr. Cranswick falling onto a pallet truck. He then landed hard on the concrete warehouse floor.
Specifically, Mr. Cranswick was carrying materials across the roof. He accidentally stepped on a skylight and fell more than 6 meters to the ground below.
HSE Investigation Findings
Subsequently, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched an investigation. They found that Clover Access Systems Limited and STM360 Limited both failed. Neither company planned, managed, or monitored the scaffolding work properly.
Consequently, the companies put no safety measures in place. They did not prevent workers from falling off the edge or through fragile areas. Furthermore, the skylights were almost invisible to Mr. Cranswick. He did not know the roof had fragile elements.
To prevent this, HSE guidance details a clear hierarchy for working on fragile surfaces. First, supervisors must avoid access to fragile roofs entirely.
Tip: You can find further guidance in the official Health and safety in roof work (PDF).
Heavy Penalties
As a result, both companies faced legal consequences at Leeds Magistrates Court on June 4, 2026.
First, Clover Access Systems Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 15 of The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. The court fined them £26,000 and ordered £2,866 in costs. The company is now in liquidation.
Next, STM360 Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13 of the same regulations. The court fined them £53,300 and ordered £3,167 in costs.
Official Statement
HSE Inspector Shauna Halstead spoke out after the hearing: “Mr. Cranswick is lucky to be alive after this incident. His fall was wholly avoidable.
The risks of working around fragile surfaces are well-known. HSE provides clear guidance to help companies comply with the law. Everyone in construction should know that HSE will take enforcement action. We will act whenever companies fail to manage roof work properly. Workers should not face needless danger.”
Safety Aide endeavours to support your business with all aspects of Health and Safety, including thorough Risk Assessments, contact us today to get started: 08000 806 801or email: info@safetyaide.com