Construction Company Fined After Worker’s Fatal Fall From Height on London Building Site
Posted: October 20, 2026
Posted in: Falls from Heights Workplace Injuries Wrongful & Accidental Death
A construction company has been fined after a worker suffered fatal injuries in a preventable fall from height at a redevelopment site in south-west London.
Antonio Rodrigues, 55, was working as a labourer for Lima Construction Limited during the redevelopment of a former department store when he fell through an unglazed window opening, landing on a concrete floor more than three metres below. Despite receiving hospital treatment, he sadly died from his injuries a few days later.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the window openings had been created in preparation for the installation of glazed doors. However, after some glass panels arrived damaged, the doors were not fitted, leaving several unprotected openings exposed.
Suitable protection had not been installed to prevent this workplace accident. Investigators found that simple safety measures, including protective boarding or additional scaffold guard rails, could have prevented access to the openings and significantly reduced the risk of this fatal fall from height accident.
The HSE also identified failures in the site’s inspection procedures, with legally required weekly scaffold inspections not being carried out for many weeks before the accident. As a result, opportunities to identify and address the hazards were missed.
Lima Construction Limited pleaded guilty to breaching the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and was fined £50,000, in addition to being ordered to pay more than £11,000 in costs.
Falls From Height are Incredibly Dangerous Accidents & are Usually Fatal
Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of fatal workplace accidents across the UK, particularly within the construction industry. Employers have a legal duty to identify hazards, carry out suitable risk assessments, and ensure appropriate safety measures are in place before employees are exposed to dangerous working conditions, including potentially fatal falls from working at height. When these responsibilities are overlooked, the consequences can be devastating for workers and their families.
When someone loses their life in an accident at work caused by an employer’s negligence, certain family members or the deceased’s estate may be entitled to bring a fatal accident claim. While no amount of compensation can make up for the loss of a loved one, a claim can help ease the financial burden. It can help to cover funeral costs, loss of financial dependency, and other losses suffered as a result of the death.
Seeking advice from experienced solicitors ** can help families understand their legal rights and find out if they can pursue personal injury and workers’ compensation claim following a fatal workplace accident.
How Accident Claims London Can Help
At Accident Claims London, we understand that losing a loved one in a workplace accident is an incredibly difficult experience. Our compassionate team offers a free, no-obligation assessment to help families understand whether they may have grounds to make a fatal accident claim.
If appropriate, we can introduce you to one of our specialist panel solicitors **, who may be able to handle your claim on a no win, no fee * basis.
From your first enquiry through to the conclusion of your case, we’ll provide clear guidance and practical support, helping your family pursue the compensation you may be entitled to following a fatal accident at work
Call us today on 02039 930 516^ or use our contact form to start your claim.
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