SM Builder Expert Limited has been fined after a chauffeur fell to his death at a concealed basement void in a domestic property undergoing construction work
Mr Bala Singh, a visitor to the property not linked to the construction work, died after he stepped on a blue tarpaulin concealing a basement void.
Tarpaulin was placed over the hole to catch rainwater entering the basement.
Mr Singh sustained a fatal laceration to the neck as a result of the fall.
The Health and Safety Executive‘s investigation found the company had not used warning signs to clearly mark the void and the company was found to be using ineffective barriers around the concealed area.
The construction company pleaded guility to breaching health and safety regulations and fined £5,280 and ordered to pay 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.”
A 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.”
