Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court heard how, on 22 October 2015, a subcontractor working for King Builders (Gloucester) Ltd, suffered fractured vertebrae, chest and head injuries after falling through an unprotected skylight.

An HSE investigation found that the principal contractor failed to ensure the safety of those working on the roof.

The investigation also found that there were a number of places on the site at Pitt Street, Gloucester where someone could have fallen.

King Builders (Gloucester) Ltd were convicted of breaching working at height regulations and were fined £30,000 and ordered to pay costs of £18,281.70.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Simon Chilcott said: “Those in control of work have a responsibility to ensure safe methods of working are used and to maintain control of those working for them.

“If simple precautions, such as a robust cover or scaffolding, had been in place prior to the incident, the serious injuries sustained by the sub-contractor could have been prevented.”