A worker who dedicated 14 years to her employer has spoken of how her life was “turned upside down” after suffering catastrophic injuries in a workplace incident that investigators say could have been prevented.
Every worker has the right to return home safely at the end of the working day. Yet for Natalie McCreith, a routine dismantling operation became a life-changing event that has left her facing years of recovery, chronic pain and a future that will never be the same.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has confirmed that event structure company iSkate Limited and its director have been prosecuted after Ms McCreith suffered devastating injuries while dismantling a temporary steel structure at Beaverbrook Hotel & Golf Course in Leatherhead, Surrey.
The case serves as a stark reminder that workplace safety must never be compromised through shortcuts, poor planning or the use of unsuitable equipment.
Worker suffered devastating injuries
Natalie McCreith, 38, had worked for iSkate Limited for 14 years and was an experienced member of the workforce. On 26 June 2024, she was involved in dismantling a temporary internal steel frame when tragedy struck.
During the dismantling process, workers attempted to lower a steel beam weighing more than 100kg using a ratchet strap. However, ratchet straps are not designed to lift or lower heavy loads. The strap failed, causing the steel beam to fall directly onto Ms McCreith.
She suffered:
- Multiple fractures to her back.
- A punctured lung.
- A broken leg.
- Life-changing physical injuries requiring extensive surgery.
Following the incident, Ms McCreith underwent an 11-hour operation and spent three months in hospital. More than two years later, she continues to recover.
Safety concerns were raised
One of the most troubling aspects of this case is that concerns about the method being used had reportedly already been raised.
According to the HSE investigation, company director Neil Munn was present on site, chose the dismantling method and instructed workers where to stand during the operation.
Investigators found that Ms McCreith questioned whether the approach was safe before the incident occurred. Despite those concerns, the dismantling continued using the same method.
The Workers Union believes every worker should feel able to raise genuine health and safety concerns without fear that those concerns will be dismissed. Speaking up about unsafe working practices can prevent serious injury or even save lives.
“My life has been completely turned upside down”
In a powerful victim personal statement, Ms McCreith described the lasting impact the incident has had on both herself and her family.
She said:
“Since the accident, my life has been completely turned upside down… I will never live the life I once had.”
She also described living with constant pain and explained how her family feared the worst while travelling to London after learning of the incident.
Her statement highlights the reality behind workplace accidents. Beyond the headlines, every serious injury affects families, careers, financial security and mental wellbeing for many years afterwards.
HSE: The work was not properly planned
The HSE investigation concluded that iSkate Limited failed to ensure the dismantling work was properly planned or carried out safely.
Guidance issued by the regulator makes clear that demolition and dismantling activities should be fully planned before work begins. Safe systems of work should be documented and should clearly identify the sequence of dismantling to prevent accidental collapse or uncontrolled movement of structural elements.
Using equipment designed for the specific lifting task is a fundamental part of safe working practice.
HSE Inspector Russell Beckett said:
“Demolition and dismantling is a high-hazard work activity, but if the work is properly planned it can be carried out safely. This accident has had a devastating effect on Ms McCreith and could easily have been prevented had the right work equipment been used.”
Court outcome
Guildford Magistrates’ Court heard the case on 28 July 2026.
iSkate Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 16(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay £6,949 in costs.
Company director Neil Munn pleaded guilty under Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and received a community order requiring 75 hours of unpaid work.
What workers should remember
This prosecution reinforces an important message for workers across construction, events, engineering and dismantling industries.
If you are asked to carry out work that appears unsafe:
- Raise your concerns immediately.
- Ask whether a suitable risk assessment and method statement are in place.
- Ensure lifting equipment is designed and certified for the task being undertaken.
- Never assume that a quicker method is a safer method.
No deadline, installation or dismantling schedule should ever take priority over a worker’s safety.
Jonathan Morgan of the Workers Union said,
“Cases such as this demonstrate why proper planning, competent supervision and listening to workers on the ground remain essential parts of workplace safety.
When experienced workers voice concerns about unsafe systems of work, those concerns deserve careful consideration. Every worker should have the confidence to stop and question a task that appears unsafe without fearing they will simply be told to continue.
Every serious workplace injury represents more than a statistic. Behind every prosecution is a worker whose life has changed forever and a family living with the consequences.”
