A construction worker was hospitalised Thursday morning after falling five metres into a hole, Luxemburger Wort reports.

The accident occurred at around 9am at the building site on the Ban de Gasperich by Cloche d’Or where new offices, flats and shops are being built.

According to police, the man was descending a ladder into a hole when he lost his footing. The man, who it later emerged had suffered minor injuries, had to be lifted from the hole using a crane.

Workplace watchdog the Inspection du travail et des mines (ITM) was on site to examine the scene. Meanwhile, police have opened an investigation.

Recent figures showed there were nine fatal work place accidents in Luxembourg from January 2016 to mid-September. A draft law is being drawn up to enable the ITM to fine negligent employers when employees suffer accidents.

A range of fines will be issued starting from 1,000 to 50,000 euros per employee affected, per violation. Repeat offenders could be fined up to 100,000 euros.