Circleworth prosecuted by the HSE after Edward Smith fell from scaffolding at a house in West London.
London-based builder Circleworth has been fined £7,500 following the death of a carpenter on a construction site in West London.
The prosecution was brought by the Health and Safety Executive following its investigation into the death of 63-year-old self-employed carpenter Edward Smith.
Smith was involved on a job to refurbish a semi-detached house in Ainsdale Road, London W5 and build a loft conversion when he fell from scaffolding. He suffered severe head injuries and died next day.
A ladder used to access the scaffold was found to be too short for the purpose and it was believed that Smith fell while trying to access the scaffold.
HSE investigating inspector Kevin Shorten said: "The tragic death of Edward Smith and the grief suffered by his family and friends at the firm, could have been avoided if the company had ensured that the ladder used to access the scaffold was long enough to extend 1m past the landing point and was secured in place. Any contractor or site foreman who reads about this case should make sure they check the ladders in use on their sites."
Circleworth pleaded guilty to a charge of breaching section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 at the City of London Magistrates' Court on 11 March 2005. The company was fined £7,500 and ordered to pay £2,877 costs.
