Scaffolding Firm Fined After Trainee Killed in 5m Fall

A scaffolding company has been fined after a trainee scaffolder tragically died in a five-metre fall from a partially erected scaffold.

On 5 July 2023, Michael Swales was working for Ask Scaffolding Ltd, which had been contracted to provide scaffolding services for a residential housing development near Ripon in North Yorkshire.

Michael and a colleague were erecting scaffolding at the front of a two-storey house under construction when he fell five metres after standing on an unsecured scaffolding board. There were inadequate measures in place to prevent or mitigate the risk of a fall. Emergency services attended, but Michael Swales died at the scene.

Unsafe Scaffolding

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Ask Scaffolding Ltd had failed to ensure work at height was carried out in a safe manner, so far as was reasonably practicable.

The investigation found that the scaffolding work being carried out on the day of the accident was unsafe and did not follow industry guidance. Safe zones had not been established, and neither Michael nor his colleague was using a harness or lanyard while working.

The investigation also found that previous scaffolding work had not been carried out in accordance with the guidance. A post-accident inspection identified that guardrails had not been installed where they should have been. Several witnesses also indicated that scaffolding work was regularly carried out by company operatives without following the guidance.

The guidance identifies the use of collective protection measures to create a ‘Scaffolder’s Safe Zone’ as the primary means of preventing falls. Personal protection, such as a harness and lanyard, should be used when a scaffolder is working without a safe zone.

All scaffolding must be erected, dismantled and altered safely. Guidance on the measures employers and scaffolding contractors should take to ensure scaffolding work is carried out safely can be found here: Scaffolds – HSE.

Company Fined

Ask Scaffolding Ltd, of Thornton Road Industrial Estate, Pickering, YO18 7JB, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1)(c) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

The company was fined £16,000 and ordered to pay £8,000 in costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on 4 November 2026.

Tragic Accident

HSE Inspector David Beaton said: “This tragic accident underlines the importance of those in control of scaffolding work making sure that it is being done safely and in accordance with industry guidance, and the potential consequences where this is not done.

“Our thoughts remain with Michael’s family and friends.”

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