CCTV Footage Captures Moment Man Falls Through Roof Skylight

CCTV footage capturing the ‘harrowing’ moment a scaffolder fell through a roof skylight has been released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

James Cranswick, 26, was working for was working for Clover Access Systems Limited when he stepped on a skylight and subsequently fell more than 6 metres to the concrete floor beneath while installing temporary scaffolding edge protection at a warehouse in Keighley, West Yorkshire.

The CCTV footage shows James falling onto a pallet truck before landing on the warehouse floor. He suffered head lacerations and a broken arm and leg.

Skylights ‘Almost Invisible’

An investigation by the HSE found that both Clover Access Systems Limited and STM360 Limited failed to plan, manage and monitor the work being undertaken by the scaffolders at the unit. As such, no measures were in place to prevent the scaffolders falling from the edge of the unit, or through the fragile elements of the roof.

The skylights of the unit were almost invisible to James and he was unaware of any fragile elements of the roof.

HSE guidance details a clear hierarchy for work involving fragile surfaces. Those in control of roof work should firstly avoid the need for access to fragile roofs. Further guidance can be found here: Health and safety in roof work (PDF).

Two Companies Fined

Clover Access Systems Limited pleaded guilty to breaching The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, Regulation 15.

They were fined £26,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,866 at Leeds Magistrates Court on 4 June 2026. The company is now in liquidation.

STM360 Limited pleaded guilty to breaching The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, Regulation 13. The company was fined £53,300 and ordered to pay £3,167 in costs.

HSE Inspector Shauna Halstead, said: “Mr Cranswick is lucky to be alive after this incident.

“His fall was wholly avoidable; the risks associated with work on, or around fragile surfaces are well-known, and HSE guidance is available to assist companies in complying with the law.

“Everyone working in construction should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take enforcement action where roof work is not properly managed, as workers should not be needlessly put in harm’s way.”

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