Three companies have been prosecuted after a worker was seriously injured when he fell through a lighting grid hatch at Elstree Film Studios.

Harrow Crown Court heard how Eric Ihoeghinlan, an employee of Gabem Management Ltd, was working on a de-rigging operation at the site on 18 November 2014.

However, while recovering electrical cables for BBC Studioworks he fell more than 10 metres through a lighting grid hatch. He sustained multiple injuries including a blood clot to the brain, fractured pelvis and ankles, and a ruptured spleen. Due to the brain damage caused, it is unknown if Mr Ihoeghinlan will work again.

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A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation into the incident found the hatches of the lighting grids and the ends of one, did not have any edge protection.

BBC Studioworks Ltd pleaded to breaching Sections 2 and 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc., Act 1974 and has been fined £200,000 and ordered to pay more than £6,000 in costs.

Elstree Light and Power Ltd was also found guilty of the same charge and fined £30,000 with more than £39,000 in costs.

Elstree Film Studios Ltd was found guilty of breaching Regulation 3 and Regulation 11 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. The company was fined £16,000 with over £39,000 in costs.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE Principal Inspector Graham Tompkins said the employee's injuries were life-changing and he could have easily been killed.

"This serious incident and the devastation caused could have been avoided if basic safe guards had been put in place," he said. "Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work related fatalities in this country and the risks associated with working at height are well known."

(LM)