Handle Glass Safely Fatality File

Worker crushed to death by falling pane of glass on roof of Paddington office block

A construction worker was crushed to death by a falling pane of glass at a central London office block undergoing a £66 million renovation.

The 51-year-old man is believed to have been working on the top floor of the 18-storey building next to Paddington Station when the incident happened on Friday afternoon.

Witnesses said a large pane of glass which had been hoisted up the side of the tower fell over and crushed the specialist fitter as he worked.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is investigating the death at 20 Eastbourne Mews, but police are not treating the incident as suspicious

A local resident, who gave his name as Stefano, 24, said: “There was no crash or loud noise, but I saw the guy who works there shouting at the police that the glass had fallen.”

A fellow site worker, who did not want to be named, said: “We are all devastated, these things are rare, but it is a reminder of the dangers.”

The project is being carried out by Wates Construction for Land Securities who own the building. The worker was a sub contractor.

A spokesperson for Land Securities said: “We are deeply saddened to learn that a contractor has died in an accident at one of our development sites. We are working closely with the contractors and relevant authorities to investigate the cause of this tragic accident and we have suspended work on site until further notice. Our thoughts are with the individual’s family and friends at this very sad time.”

A spokesperson for Wates Group “It is with regret that we can confirm that there was a fatality on site at 20 Eastbourne Terrace on Friday afternoon