A window installation company has been fined for work at height safety failings.

Kevin McLean, trading as South Coast Installations, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations. It was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay costs.

Brighton Magistrates' Court heard how Mark Taylor, 48, a window fitter from Southampton, was helping to install UPVC windows at a three-storey house in Brighton on 10 September, 2014.

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As he was working from an unsecured ladder, it slipped sideways and fell to the ground. Mr Taylor was taken to hospital suffering from head injuries, but died the following day.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found Kevin McLean, trading as South Coast Installations, had failed to ensure the work at height was adequately planned and carried out in a manner which was safe.

HSE Inspector Amanda Huff said: "Mark Taylor's family have been devastated because simple steps where not taken to secure the ladder he was using. If Kevin McLean had ensured a proper risk assessment was carried out this tragic incident could have been prevented."

(LM)