Company fined after worker dies in a fall
A house-building company in Ladybridge Lane, Bolton, has been fined £7,500 in public liability, after one of its workers fell to his death.
Health and Safety Executives (HSE) prosecuted the company when the 64 year old man was killed after a fall from an unstable ladder.
It was reported that the man was working on a project to build six new semi-detached houses when he fell five metres to the ground.
The Manchester Crown Court heard that the housing company had allowed work to be carried out on the first and second floors of the house, before the stairs had been fitted.
They used a ladder to reach the second floor but it had not been secured properly and was missing its rubber feet.
The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 by failing to ensure their worker's safety.
The court also ordered an additional £7,500 towards the cost of the prosecution as well as the fine.
Polly Tomlinson, HSE Principal Inspector for Greater Manchester, said: “This was a tragic incident that could easily have been prevented if DC Kennedy Homes had put more thought into the safety of its employees.
His family are now in talks with injury lawyers to launch an accident claim against his employers.
Updated on 30/01/2010