Builder died after fall from ladder

12:56pm Saturday 11th November 2006

A BUILDER'S assistant sustained fatal head injuries after falling up to 25 feet from a ladder, an inquest heard.

John Dootson, aged 40, of Bromwich Street, Bolton, was doing cash-in-hand work for a homeowner when he fell from the ladder that had been provided, Bolton Coroners' Court was told yesterday.

The casual labourer was not wearing a protective hard hat as he worked on the roof of the semi-detached property, in Bradford Street, Bolton, on November 22, 2005.

The aluminium ladder was tied to newly erected scaffolding and was used by Mr Dootson to carry buckets of cement to the roofer he was assisting, coroner Jennifer Leeming heard.

The pair were repairing a leaking roof.

Mr Dootson died from his injuries 16 days later, on December 12, 2005, in Hope Hospital, Salford.

Roofer Geoffrey Dyson told the inquest: "The ladders weren't very clever but I tested them and they felt safe. John didn't appear to have any problems using them.

"I asked him to fetch me the remaining mortar to finish the job. I saw him get on the ladder with the bucket in his hand.

"He disappeared out of sight and all of a sudden I heard a bang. I jumped on to the scaffolding and saw John on the floor."

The hearing continues.

Olympic silver medal for Jason