A CONSTRUCTION firm and a sub-contractor from Bolton have been fined after inadequate scaffolding led to a worker falling from a roof and suffering a fractured skull and broken back.

Simon Brown, aged 40, from Farnworth, also suffered neck injuries and a fractured pelvis, and later had a kidney removed, after he fainted and fell eight metres at a house in Wheatfield Street, Bolton, on February 26 last year.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found the scaffolding at the rear failed to protect anyone from a fall.

Trafford Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday that Eagle Construction (Bolton) Ltd had been hired as the main contractor to carry out work on the house, including construction of a dormer roof.

An experienced roofer, Mr Brown was working for the first time for Steven Winter, owner of Orion Roofing, who had been sub-contracted for the roofing work.

Eagle Construction (Bolton) Ltd organised scaffolding to gutter level on the front of the house and a tower scaffold at the rear.

Mr Brown had accessed the dormer roof area several times over four days, using a ladder on to the scaffolding at the front, then climbing over the ridge of the roof using a ladder, before climbing down on to the dormer roof. He was using the dormer roof as a working platform to hand materials to Steven Winter, who was working on the scaffolding below.

Just before the incident, Mr Brown had been standing while putting corners on the fascia on the edges of the dormer when he said he felt dizzy. He fainted and fell into the neighbour’s garden below. He spent eight weeks in hospital.

Eagle Construction, of Chorley Old Road, Bolton, pleaded guilty to breaching the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007, and was fined £6,000 with £3,000 costs.

Steven Winter of Watson Road, Farnworth, pleaded guilty to breaching the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and was fined £1,000 with £300 costs.