David Oldham, a father of five, has died after carrying out an inspection at McLaren's Paddock Brand Centre, a hospitality unit used by its Formula One racing team.
The structure was undergoing maintenance in October 2016 when the accident occurred, and an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the risks of falling had not been properly assessed by McLaren at the Paddock Brand Centre.
In March 2023 McLaren Services Limited, Surrey were found guilty of breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, fined £650,000 and ordered to pay £110,132 in costs.
Commenting on the accident, David's widow said "I have been robbed of my husband, but poor Dave lost his life."
HSE inspector Saffron Turnell said at the conclusion of the investigation:
"Work at height is a high risk activity and falls can result in life changing injuries and death. It’s the number one reason why people like David didn’t get home from work. Those responsible to ensure his health and safety failed to do so.
"It is very important that those in control of the work identify the risk, plan to eliminate it if possible, or where it is not possible, take appropriate precautions to safeguard workers and others. Good management will also include regular monitoring that the controls in place are keeping people safe."
