Essex Police has confirmed that it responded to an incident in which a man died after falling from height at work near Southend-on-Sea on 27 March.
News
Gogglebox star’s death puts spotlight on falls from height at work
By
on 28 March 2024
The man has been named in media reports as 40-year-old George Gilbey, a self-employed electrician who found fame on TV shows Gogglebox and Celebrity Big Brother.
George Gilbey, centre, found fame on TV show Gogglebox. Photograph: C4 Gogglebox
Channel 4 said in a statement: “George was part of the Gogglebox family alongside his mum Linda and step-dad Pete. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and George’s family and friends at this very sad time. The family have asked for privacy.”
A spokesperson for Essex Police said it had “received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am [on] 27 March, during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury”.
The spokesperson added: “The ambulance service, including air ambulance, were in attendance. Sadly, the man died at the scene. We will continue liaising with partners, including the Health and Safety Executive [HSE].”
A man in his forties from the Witham area has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in relation to the incident, said Essex Police.
A spokesperson for HSE confirmed that it is “working with Essex Police in their investigation”.
Gilbey’s LinkedIn profile shows that in addition to his TV work, he was a self-employed electrician for a Clacton-on-Sea-based company called WindG Ltd.
The latest HSE figures show that 40 people lost their lives due to a fall from height in 2022/23, with falls from height being responsible for 30 per cent of all workplace deaths.
To raise awareness about the consequences of falls from height and how to prevent them, the No Falls Foundation – a charity dedicated to the work at height sector – is launching its first ever No Falls Week on 13-17 May.
NEWS
"This weather isn’t much fun if you’re stuck in an overheated workplace": heatwave advice for employers
By Belinda Liversedge on 01 July 2025
With Britain facing the first widespread heatwave this summer, the TUC is calling on employers to make sure their staff are protected from the sun and heat. The warning comes as an amber heat health alert has been extended in the South West by 15 hours as temperatures above 30C (86F) are forecast.
“One ill-judged behaviour can decimate a culture”: leaders debate leadership at SHW Live
By Belinda Liversedge on 20 June 2025
“Your behaviour [as a leader] and your words [are so important in creating] a safe space. People underestimate how much [those below you] are looking and watching you [as a role model],” Jonathon Gawthrop, Chair of the MIND charity Mental Health at Work Council said at SHW Live’s leadership panel. “One [ill-judged] behaviour can decimate a culture.”
Hybrid working the “new normal” for more than 1 in 4 workers
By Belinda Liversedge on 18 June 2025
Hybrid working, which involves splitting time between the home and office, has become the "new normal" for more than one in four workers, official figures show.