Firm fined over fatal ladder fallA construction firm in Bolton has been fined £7,500 for failing to ensure the safety of one of its workers who died after falling from a ladder.
Ian Smith, 64, fell five metres to his death during a project to build six new semi-detached houses in Dale Gardens, Bolton in December 2007.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) subsequently brought action against DC Kennedy Homes, of Ladybridge Lane in Bolton, after the firm was found to have neglected its responsibilities by allowing work to be carried out on the first and second floors of the house before stairs had been fitted. It was also found that Mr Smith's ladder was not fitted with rubber feet to prevent it from skidding.
The house builder pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 at Manchester Crown Court and was ordered to pay an additional £7,500 towards prosecution costs.
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."
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