A demolition company has been fined after a worker fell 6m through a roof opening, suffering serious injuries during the demolition of a vacant warehouse in Aberdeen.
On 25 May 2023, Sylwester Zdunczyk, 42, was working with a team on the warehouse roof, removing aluminium oversheeting.
The sheets were being carried to pre-cut holes in the roof, from where they were dropped to the ground floor. These holes were guarded by steel crowd control barriers secured together with plastic tie wraps, but they were not attached to the roof surface. No other fall prevention measures were in place.
While helping to carry a sheet backwards near one of the holes, Zdunczyk lost his footing and fell through a gap to the concrete floor below.
He sustained a fractured pelvis and two broken ribs. He was unable to work for six months after being discharged from hospital and has not fully recovered. Previously fit and active, he can no longer run, cycle or play football and now requires pain medication.
Failure to properly plan and supervise work at height
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that principal contractor Lawrie (Demolition) failed to properly plan, supervise and carry out the work at height safely. Workers were sent onto the roof without sufficient instruction, training or supervision. The company also failed to put adequate fall protection measures in place.
Lawrie (Demolition) Ltd, of Rigifa, Cove, Aberdeen, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and Section 33(1)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. It was fined £40,562.50 at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on 12 June 2025.
HSE inspector Muhammad Umair Tanvir said: “This incident could have been avoided by simply implementing appropriate control measures and safe working practices.
“Falls from height remain the leading cause of fatalities and serious injuries in UK workplaces. In 2023/24, 50 workers died following a fall from height. This trend has remained consistent over recent years.”
