CCTV footage has captured the harrowing moment a worker fell through an 'invisible' skylight at a factory in Keighley, West Yorkshire, leaving him seriously injured. The incident, which occurred at Acre Mills, has resulted in two construction companies being fined nearly £80,000 for safety failings.
The Incident
James Cranswick, 26, was installing temporary scaffolding edge protection for Clover Access Systems Limited when he stepped on a skylight that was almost impossible to see. He plunged more than six metres onto a pallet truck below, suffering a broken arm, leg, and head injury. CCTV footage shows the moment he crashed onto the concrete, with colleagues rushing to help.
Investigation Findings
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation revealed that both Clover Access Systems Limited and STM360 Limited failed to plan, manage, and monitor the work. No measures were in place to prevent falls from edges or through fragile roof elements. The skylights were described as 'invisible' to Mr Cranswick, who was unaware of any fragile surfaces.
Court Ruling
At Leeds Magistrates Court on 4 June 2026, Clover Access Systems Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 15 of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and was fined £26,000 with costs of £2,866. The company is now in liquidation. STM360 Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13 of the same regulations and was fined £53,300 with costs of £3,167.
HSE Statement
HSE Inspector Shauna Halstead stated: '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. Everyone working in construction should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take enforcement action where roof work is not properly managed.'
