Worker Hospitalised After Bricks Rain Down at Kilburn Demolition
A Woolwich labourer had a brush with death when a chunk of falling debris smashed into him during demolition work on a Victorian building in Kilburn. Tommy Brooks, 57, suffered horrific injuries but survived. Now, Middlesex firm MAC Demolition Ltd faces a hefty £60,000 fine.
Disaster on Willesden Lane
Brooks had been on site for three months, working on soft stripping and roof demolition contracted to 1 Demolition. On the morning of March 2, 2022, while clearing bricks for reclaim, a large piece of masonry toppled from the unstable roof and struck him.
- Broken shoulder
- 12 fractured ribs
- Spinal injuries
- Internal damage
Safety Failings Lead to Huge Fine
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation revealed MAC Demolition failed to properly assess risks from falling objects. They didn’t set up or enforce exclusion zones to keep workers safe.
MAC Demolition pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 20 of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. On November 2, 2023, Willesden Magistrates Court slapped the company with a £60,000 fine and ordered them to pay £3,229 in costs.
“This tragic incident had devastating consequences for Mr Brooks and was totally avoidable,” said HSE inspector Gordon Nixon. “Basic safety measures could have prevented this. Companies must take safety seriously or face enforcement action.”
Warning to Construction Firms
The horrific injury serves as a grim wake-up call. Demolition and construction firms are urged to carry out proper risk assessments and enforce strict safety protocols. Cut corners at your peril.
