A building company and a decorating firm have been fined after a Birmingham worker suffered multiple injuries when he plummeted more than seven metres through a skylight.

The incident happened on 11 January 2012 when Philip Brown was painting the roof on an industrial unit at Torridge Close, Telford Way, Kettering. He stepped on to a fragile skylight which shattered and he fell through to the concrete floor below.

Mr Brown, 36, of Sheldon, broke several bones on the right hand side of his body, including his leg, hip, pelvis, wrist and elbow. He also sustained head injuries and lacerations to his face. The father-of-five was in hospital for three weeks where he underwent extensive reconstructive surgery. Although Mr Brown is now at home he is bed-bound while his leg is in traction.


The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the incident and prosecuted principal contractor JBN Builders Limited, and sub-contractors K.J. Smith & Sons Painters & Decorators Ltd, the painting and decorating firm who hired Mr Brown, for safety breaches.

Corby Magistrates were told that HSE found Birmingham-based K.J. Smith & Sons Painters & Decorators Ltd failed to properly assess the risks involved in doing the job. As a result it hadn't got a safe system of work in place. No safety nets, skylight covers or safety harnesses were in use to prevent a fall.

JBN Builders Limited, of Northamptonshire, made very little effort to ensure K.J. Smith & Sons Painters & Decorators Ltd were competent and monitor the work being undertaken. Both companies dangerously underestimated the risk of the fragile skylights in this instance.

(CD/GK)