Companies fined after apprentice fell while installing CCTV in Weymouth
Health and Safety Executive investigation found failings in work planning
Two companies have been fined after a 20-year-old apprentice fell 11 feet through a fragile roof while working on a CCTV installation project in Weymouth.
The incident occurred on 13th July 2022 at a commercial industrial estate on Lynch Lane. The apprentice, who was employed by Tristan G Murless Limited, was using a makeshift crawling board on the roof of a lean-to attached to a warehouse when he fell to the concrete floor below.
The fall caused injuries to his back, including muscular tissue damage requiring physiotherapy. He was temporarily unable to walk and lost consciousness for a period before an ambulance arrived.
Failures in planning and cooperation
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Tristan G Murless Limited failed to ensure employee safety by inadequately planning work and not providing suitable equipment to prevent falls from height.
HSE guidance emphasises employers’ responsibility to ensure work at height is properly planned, supervised, and carried out safely. Measures such as edge protection, roof covering, and personal fall protection are essential when working on fragile roofs.
A second company, Ellis and Partners (Bournemouth) Limited, was fined after failing to provide documents requested by the HSE under section 20 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 during the investigation.
Fines imposed
Tristan G Murless Limited, based in Weymouth, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £16,000 and ordered to pay £4,168 in costs at Bristol Magistrates Court on 28th November 2025.
Ellis and Partners (Bournemouth) Limited, based in Bournemouth, admitted breaching Regulations 20(2)(k) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. They were fined £6,000 and ordered to pay £1,200 in costs.
HSE inspector Rebecca Gittoes stressed the importance of proper planning for work at height: “A young man at the start of his career was failed by his employer. Had the company suitably risk assessed the task, provided suitable work equipment and a safe system of work, this incident would not have happened."
"The case brought against Ellis and Partners (Bournemouth) Limited should also underline to everyone that the HSE and the courts take a failure to comply with section 20 very seriously."
The prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Rebecca Schwartz with paralegal officers Daniel Adams and Sarah Thomas.