By james art 
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A specialist construction company has been fined £60,000 following the death of a worker who fell from a church steeple in Birmingham.
David Clover, 64, was employed by Ecclesiastical Steeplejacks Ltd perform restoration works of the 60-meter bell tower of the church of St. Nicola, Kings Norton, on 13 November 2020.
While suspended in a “boatman’s chair,” a work seat, he fell and suffered fatal injuries.
Investigation by The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that the boatswain’s chair lacked a suitable back-up system, such as a fall arrest harness with a two-leg rope.
The company which has since ceased trading but was previously based in Stirchley, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to breaching the Work at Heights Regulations 2005.
A hearing held at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 15 January 2025 resulted in a fine of £60,000.
In sentencing, Judge Qureshi criticized the firm’s outdated approach to health and safety management, highlighting the preventable nature of the incident.
HSE Inspector Emma Page offered her condolences to Mr Clover’s family and highlighted the continuing risks associated with working at height.
“Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of work-related death and injury in the UK. We will take action against companies that fail to protect workers.
HSE statistics show that 50 people died from falls from height in 2023/24. Updated guidance on reducing these risks is available on the HSE website.
This prosecution was conducted by HSE enforcement lawyer Julian White and paralegal Imogen Isaac.
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