Accident at work resulted in traumatic injuries, inquest confirms

Former Gogglebox and Celebrity Big Brother star, George Gilbey, was pronounced dead last month after falling from a height while working. A coroner has since heard that Gilbey, a self-employed electrician, died from traumatic head and torso injuries. The short inquest hearing in Chelmsford confirmed that Gilbey had fallen through a skylight while working on a roof.

At the time of the incident, in Shoeburyness, Essex, a man was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter relating to Gilbey’s death. The suspect, also in his 40s, has since been released subject to an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Essex Police.

Falling from a height accounted for 40 fatalities in the workplace last year in Scotland. Employers, or those managing a site of contractors, are responsible for the safety of those working there.

We asked Susanne, Head of Personal Injury at Watermans, what the next steps for Gilbey’s family will be –

“The family should seek immediate legal advice regarding a possible claim for compensation arising from the death of George Gilbey. Working at height, especially on roofs, is very dangerous and whoever was in charge onsite ought to have followed the requirements in the Work at Height Regulations 2005 to keep their employees safe.”

“This requires, amongst other things, to ensure that workers have suitable safety equipment to ensure that they do not fall from height. If there has been a failure to provide this then someone may be found liable.”