A construction worker suffered life-changing injuries after plunging through an unprotected loft hatch in Wimbledon in what the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) described as an 'entirely avoidable' incident. Mark Smith, 41, was stripping internal insulation from a roof space on May 13, 2024, when he stepped on an unidentified and unprotected loft hatch, falling 11 feet to the floor below. He landed on his back, fracturing his hip and L1 vertebra.
Smith has been unable to return to work and was later terminated by his employer, Hampshire-based Willow Services (Southern) Limited. An HSE investigation found that the company failed to properly plan the work at height, did not ensure adequate measures to prevent falls, and provided no competent supervision. Those overseeing the work lacked necessary training or experience in managing construction activities safely.
HSE inspector Laurence Goodacre said: 'Falls from height remain the leading cause of fatal incidents in the workplace, particularly within the construction industry. This incident was entirely avoidable and resulted from a failure to properly plan the work and provide competent supervision. Had the loft hatch been identified and protected at the planning stage, Mr Smith would not have suffered these life-changing injuries.'
Willow Services (Southern) Ltd, based in Waterlooville, Hampshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. The company was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay £5,607 in costs at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on April 30, 2026.
