Driver fell to his death on poorly fenced off construction site

A construction company has been fined after a chauffeur fell to his death at a concealed basement void in a domestic property that was undergoing building work.

Mr Bala Singh Koranga, a visitor to the house and not associated with the works, entered the construction area and stepped onto a blue tarpaulin that was placed to prevent rainwater entering the basement. Mr Koranga fell into the void and sustained a fatal laceration to the neck. The incident happened on 16 September 2017.

The HSE’s investigation found the company had failed to put in place adequate construction site fencing, the site had no warning signs and ineffective barriers were used around the concealed void.

SM Builder Expert Limited of Alnwick Road, London pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and was fined £5,280 with costs of £3,204.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Koranga’s son said:

“My father was always very happy. He was always messing around and joking. It was what he was known for. He is greatly missed.”

HSE Inspector Rauf Ahmed added:

“This tragic incident could easily have been prevented. Builders need to take adequate measures to prevent unauthorised access into construction sites and prevent persons falling into open basements.”

Fall Protection

With falls being among the most common cause of serious injury in the work place fall protection is so important. The Arco Professional Safety Services Limited Fall Protection Department offers a nationwide service specialising in the design and installation of high level access solutions to facilitate the safe and efficient working environment of roof maintenance, on scaffolding, abseil cleaning and other high level tasks.

See more about our Fall Protection Services here