Taylor Wimpey Fined £800,000 After Teen Apprentice Falls Through Temporary Stairwell Covering
A reminder of critical temporary works safety on construction sites
A major UK housebuilder has been fined after a 17-year-old apprentice bricklayer was injured when a temporary stairwell cover collapsed on a housing development site.
The Incident
On 22 August 2023, Charlie Marsh - just 17 years old and less than a year into his bricklaying career - was working on Taylor Wimpey’s Meadfields site in Weston-super-Mare. The site involved the construction of approximately 450 new homes.
Charlie was loading concrete blocks onto the first floor of a partially completed house. The blocks were stacked in groups of 10-20, with one stack positioned on or near a temporary stairwell covering. This cover consisted of timber sheet material laid across joists, which would later be removed to install a staircase.
Suddenly, the covering gave way. Charlie and about 20 kg of concrete blocks fell more than two metres to the ground floor below. He sustained multiple injuries to his fingers, hand, wrist, and shoulder.
HSE Investigation and Findings
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) discovered that the joists beneath the timber cover should have been back-propped to support the weight. This requirement was clearly stated in Taylor Wimpey’s own health and safety manual, but had been overlooked on this plot.
Had suitably designed back propping been installed, the incident would likely have been prevented.
Court Outcome
At North Somerset Magistrates’ Court on 3 June 2025:
- Taylor Wimpey UK Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
- The company was fined £800,000, plus £6,240.25 in costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge.
HSE Inspector said the apprentice was lucky to escape more serious injuries or worse, stressing that basic procedural compliance could have avoided the incident.
Key Lessons for Construction Sites
- Temporary flooring and stairwell covers must be properly supported and secured.
- Always follow manufacturer and company guidelines for structural temporary works.
- Supervisors must verify checks and back-propping before loading materials on upper floors.
Do Your Sites Meet Temporary Works Safety Standards?
Compass HSC helps developers and contractors comply with CDM regulations and manage site risks effectively.
Schedule a Site Safety ReviewAbout Brian Lambert
Brian Lambert (CMIOSH-IMaPS), the founder of Compass Health & Safety Consultancy (HSC), is a Chartered Member of IOSH and an accomplished IMaPS professional. With decades of industry experience, Brian is dedicated to guiding businesses of all sizes through the complexities of health and safety management.
His approach is built on integrity, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to raising the standard in health and safety. As a trusted advisor, Brian’s insights help organisations enhance compliance, reduce risk, and boost operational efficiency.