Mykhalio Hustei had been working for Alchemist DB Limited as a labourer on a project in Bovington, where he lived in a property adjoining the site.

On 22nd October 2021, while trying to access his own home, he fell into one of the exposed excavation holes that was filled with rainwater.

Hustei’s body wasn’t found until around 2pm the following day.

Investigating, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found excavations criss-crossed the site without any designated safe walkways.

The investigation also found the company had failed to take appropriate precautions to ensure the safety of those moving around and working at the site.

Large boards and planks were used as bridges over excavations but these were slippery and bowed when walked across. The site was also open to the weather, making it highly likely it would be slippery after rain, with no dedicated lighting provided.

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The company only made the site safe after HSE inspectors visited the site following the death and took enforcement action. This included them installing dedicated walkways bridging over exposed excavations using scaffolding framework to prevent falls.

Nevertheless, the HSE brought forward a prosecution case.

Alchemist DB Ltd was sentenced in absence for breaching Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.

The company was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay £5,000 costs at a hearing in Luton Magistrates Court on 29th May 2026.  Since the incident, the company is now in liquidation.

“The site was quite literally a death trap,” said HSE inspector Rauf Ahmed.

“The measures put in place by the company after his tragic death are a crude reminder about what could and should have been done in the first place.

“We will always take action against those who fail to protect people from risk.”

This HSE prosecution was brought by enforcement lawyer Edward Parton and paralegal officer Rebecca Forman.